"Engaging our Community in Disaster Resilience"
The Salt Spring Island Emergency Program focuses on developing disaster resilience in the community and providing support for first responders. This program engages government, businesses, residents, and individual community groups and first responders to work together to build response plans and to further disaster preparedness within the community. Working closely with Search and Rescue, RCMP, BC Ambulance, Coast Guard, BC Hydro, BC Ferries, Vancouver Island Health Authority, North Salt Spring Water District, Amateur Radio Communications and Salt Spring Island Fire/Rescue to ensure that residents and visitors are aware of possible dangers on the island, including wildfires, earthquakes, tsunamis and severe weather events.
The program is primarily volunteer-based and provides services in:
- POD (Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness and Response Program) – An active program with over 50 PODs and over 325 leaders helping to promote a culture of “neighbours helping neighbours” in times of disaster
- ESS (Emergency Support Services) – A team of volunteers trained to address the well-being of those evacuated in an emergency situation which may include providing up to 72 hours of support by assisting with providing food, shelter and other needs or setting up an Evacuation Reception Centre in a larger event
- EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) – A team of volunteers trained to support the EOC.The EOC is responsible for assisting the community and First Responders in communication and coordination during an emergency
The Emergency program is always seeking new volunteers - if you are interested, please contact the emergency coordinator for more information.