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Emergency Program Office
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An emergency or disaster can occur anytime, anywhere. An earthquake, flooding, power outages, and severe weather incidents are just some of the possibilities. Through the Rossland Emergency Program Office, The Corporation of the City of Rossland strives to be a prepared community, ready to respond to these and other disasters or emergencies. For more information on how you can prepare for, respond to, and recover from a variety of emergencies and disasters, visit the following sections of this page:
Emergency and Public Safety Bulletin
Disaster Response Routes
Personal Emergency Preparedness
Personal Safety Measures
Hazards
Rossland Emergency Social Services
RDKB Amateur Radio Society
Public Safety Links
For further information on emergency preparedness, please contact the Rossland Emergency Program Office at (250) 362.7396 or e-mail emergencyprogram@rossland.ca.
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26 Weeks to Family Emergency Preparedness
WEEK | ACTION TO TAKE |
1 | Get a portable container with a lid to use as an emergency kit. A plastic storage bin or garbage can works well, particularly one with wheels. Choose an accessible location for the container near an exit, and label the container. Make sure all family members know what it will be used for and where it is. |
2 | Stock your kit with a three-day supply of water, and don't forget to include water for your pets. You need four litres of water per person per day - two for drinking and two for food preparation and hygiene. |
3 | Arrange an out-of-area phone contact person, and keep this and other emergencyphone numbers near each telephone. Teach each family member these numbers. |
4 | Stock your kit with several varieties of canned meat and dried fruit. Include a manual can opener. |
5 | Get a portable radio and extra batteries for your emergency kit. |
6 | Learn about hazards. Find out what the hazards are in your community, and do a home hazard hunt to make your home safer. Secure appliances and heavy furniture, and move beds away from heavy mirrors and windows. |
7 | Give every family member specific safety tasks to do in an emergency. For example, designate one person to be in charge of turning off elect ricity, one to collect the emergency container, one to take charge of any pets, etc. Add peanuts and granola bars to your kit. |
8 | Identify safe places in your home and on your property. Plan and practice evacuation drills using two different escape routes from each room. Add containers of juice or juice crystals to your kit. |
9 | Stock your kit with both large and medium-sized plastic garbage bags (orange oryellow make good visible signals). Large bags can also be used as ponchos, ground covers or blankets. Add plastic or paper dishes. |
10 | Identify a family meeting place away from home but close to your regular spots (between work and home or school). Add some books, toys and cards to your kit. |
11 | Add a flashlight and extra batteries, along with candles and waterproof matches. |
12 | Add some dried soups, crackers and peanut butter to your emergency kit. |
13 | Check your insurance policies and make records of your possessions. |
14 | Prepare a first-aid kit that includes extra prescription medication, extra eyeglasses,bandages, sterile gauze pads, tape, scissors, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide and over-the-counter pain pills. |
15 | Add a change of clothing for each family member to your kit. Be sure to include warm clothing, heavy work gloves and sturdy shoes. |
16 | Add some canned food like stews, baked beans and vegetables to your kit. |
17 | Enroll a family member in a first-aid course. |
18 | Add personal toiletry items like toilet paper, handy wipes, soap, detergent,toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, sanitary supplies, etc. to your emergency kit. |
19 | Add evaporated canned or powdered milk and cereal to your kit. |
20 | If needed, include infant supplies including disposable diapers, disposable bottles, formula, etc. to your emergency kit. |
21 | Get a large bucket with a tight-fitting lid to use as a toilet, and put it with your emergency kit. Use the bucket to store other emergency tools like an axe, a folding shovel and rope. |
22 | Add some freeze-dried or foil pouch food products like meats, soups, vegetables and stews. |
23 | Add a pocket knife (Swiss army style), cutlery, a whistle and spare set of house and car keys to your container. |
24 | Keep a leash or pet carrier near your kit and add a three-day supply of pet food. |
25 | Add sleeping bags or blankets to your kit along with water purification tablets. |
26 | Assemble important documents like wills, insurance papers, medical records, inventory of possessions, identification, etc. in a fireproof/waterproof container. Add a family photo album to your emergency kit. |
Now you and your family are personally prepared for any emergency.
Once your emergency kit is assembled and your emergency plan is in place, don't forget to rotate and replace items as they expire. And most important, practice your plan and update it as your family's needs change.
Emergency and Public Safety Bulletin
This page provides emergency and public safety information for Rossland. Information such as evacuation alerts, health warnings, etc. will be posted on this page.
For more information on public safety or emergency preparedness, please contact the Rossland Emergency Program Office at (250) 362.7396 or email emergencyprogram@crossland.ca.
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Personal Emergency Preparedness
Don't wait for an emergency to happen. There are a number of simple things you can do to prepare yourself and your loved ones for an emergency. Both the Federal and Provincial government provide a range of information on personal emergency preparedness for various types of emergencies. Please visit the Provincial government's Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) website and the Federal government's Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada website to become familiar with personal emergency preparedness. The following information is to assist you and your family in preparing for emergencies:
26 Weeks to Family Emergency Preparedness
Protect yourself during an Earthquake - Drop, Cover and Hold on
For more information on public safety or emergency preparedness, please contact the Rossland Emergency Program Office at (250) 362.7396 or email emergencyprogram@crossland.ca.
Disaster Response Routes
Emergency planners and transportation engineers from all levels of government have cooperated to identify a network of roads that can best move emergency services and supplies to where they are needed in the event of a major disaster. Public awareness and cooperation is necessary to keep these Disaster Response Routes clear following an earthquake or other disaster, in the interest of saving lives and protecting property.
Personal Safety Measures
RCMP encourages everyone to employ basic safety measures including:
Walk/jog in small groups
Walk in well-lit, high traffic areas
Do not have both ears plugged with headphones
Be familiar with your surroundings
If you feel like you are being followed, change the direction you are walking and/or cross the street. Also go into the nearest public place (store, gas station, community facility) and report this to police
If you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged and ready to dial out
If you feel someone in this area is suspicious or doesn't belong, report this to police.
These are safety measures we should always be mindful of and remain vigilant with at all times.
Hazards
- Fire
- H1N1 Flu Virus
- Summer Heat
- Winter Storms
Each year, thousands of people face emergency situations that could change their lives forever. Don't be caught off-guard. Know the hazards in your area and take the time now to assemble your family emergency kit. Read about family emergency preparedness.
Fire
Overview
Each year, a number of areas throughout British Columbia experience fires. Fires can spread quickly causing widespread damage, loss and injury, making them a serious hazard. The best protection against the devastation that fires can cause is prevention. It is important that Rossland residents understand the fire hazards both in their home and surrounding community in order to prevent the risk of a fire.
Provincial Emergency Program Information
The Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) website provides the following information on fire risks, prevention and preparedness:
B.C. Office of the Fire Commissioner
Ministry of Forests and Range, Protection Branch
The Home Owners FireSmart Manual
Interface Fire Prevention and Preparedness
Winter Storms
Winter Storm Hazards
Preparedness
Power Failure
Icy Conditions
Hypothermia
Evacuations
Related Links
Winter Storm Hazards
During the winter, it is important to remember that winter storms can create personal safety issues if you are not prepared. Monitoring weather forecasts and paying attention to personal emergency preparedness will reduce any possible impacts to your family and property. It is a good idea to routinely listen to local radio or television stations for weather warnings and advice.
Hazards and risks associated with winter weather include:
Car accidents due to slippery roadways
Slips and falls on slippery walkways
Falls from heights (eg: cleaning the gutters or roof)
Hypothermia and frostbite due to exposure
Being struck by falling objects such as tree branches
Risks due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines
Roof collapse or property damage under weight of snow or falling trees
Exhaustion, exposure or dehydration
Isolation and lack of basic supplies including prescription medications
Stranded motorists
Injuries while shovelling snow
Melting snow or storm surges causing flooding
Home fire safety risk.
Preparedness
Although most power outages last for just a few minutes, in extreme cases such as during severe weather events, outages can last for longer periods of time. Extended power outages do happen from time to time, so it makes sense to be prepared.
Think ahead and have a flashlight, extra batteries and candles on supply. Remember to use candles with caution and with proper candle holders. Never leave burning candles unattended, as they can be a potential fire hazard. It is recommended to use flashlights instead. Prepare for possible isolation in your home and consider an alternative safe heating system. Also ensure that you have sufficient heating fuel for fire places or wood burning stoves. Every home should have smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinklers and families should have a fire escape plan in place.
It is a good idea to assess the trees on your property and trim dead branches to reduce the danger of them falling onto power lines or your house during a storm.
Stay away from fallen power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you may run the risk of electrocution. Also remember that ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the storm.
Power Failure
Most home-heating systems depend on electric power. To prepare for a power failure, you may consider installing a non-electric standby stove or heater. Choose approved heating units that do not depend on an electric motor, electric fan or other electrical devices to function. If the standby heating unit uses the normal house oil or gas supply, ensure that it is connected and vented properly.
Before considering the use of an emergency home generator during a power outage, check with the dealer or manufacturer regarding power requirements and proper operating procedures. Use caution and follow directions when operating generators, insuring they are in a proper well-ventilated area. Do not connect your home portable generator directly to a house wiring system without the proper installation of an approved transfer switch and inspection and approval by an electrical inspector.
Furnace and fireplace maintenance considerations are very important in preparing for winter weather. Never use a camp stove, barbecue, or propane or kerosene heater indoors. A build-up of carbon monoxide gas in unventilated areas can be deadly.
If your home heating system fails, the following precautions may be considered:
Remain calm - your house may remain warm for several hours
Avoid opening doors unnecessarily
During a power failure, turn off all electrical appliances
If you have a safe, approved alternate heat source, begin using it before the house cools down
Ensure that you maintain adequate ventilation
Stay warm by dressing in layers and bringing out extra blankets
Consider closing off one room for primary heating and use
If concerned over pipes freezing--opening a tap even a small amount may keep water moving through the system enough to keep pipes from freezing.
For information about power outages and estimated power restoration in your area, visit the BC Hydro website at http://www1a.bchydro.com/outages/ORSServlet?cmd=searchcrit or Fortis at http://www.fortisbc.com/
Icy Conditions
Remember, stairways and sidewalks may be icy and increase the risk of falls. Keep these areas clear and snow free. Consider using some salt, sand or other material to provide traction in these areas.
Hypothermia
Wind-chill is a combination of cold temperatures and wind conditions which may cause rapid loss of body temperature. Excess wind-chill may require special precautions for outdoor activities. If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, know how to begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance.
Evacuations
In extreme conditions, some people may want to make arrangements to stay with relatives, friends or neighbours. Listen to weather forecasts and instructions from local officials, as reception centres may be set up to assist residents. Keep an eye out for neighbours who may be at-risk in severe conditions. Always follow the instructions of first responders and local emergency officials.
Ensure a supply of basic essentials in your home for at least 72 hours. If you must leave your home on short notice, remember to take your emergency "grab and go" kit. This should include:
Flashlight and battery powered radio
Extra clothing
Essential medicines and toiletries
Essential emergency supplies including water and food
First aid kit
Important documents, cash and family identification
Related Links:
In addition to Rosslands website, we also recommend referring to the following helpful websites:
Provincial Emergency Program
Family Emergency Preparedness Kits
Environment Canada
BC Hydro
Home Outage Preparation Checklist
Ministry of Transportation, DRIVE BC
Terasen Gas
Office of the Fire Commissioner
Rossland Emergency Social Services
ESS Volunteer Responsibilities
Overview
Emergency Social Services (or ESS) is an emergency response program that provides services that are required to preserve the well-being of people affected by an emergency or disaster.
The program provides short-term assistance to British Columbians who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies. This assistance includes the provision of food, clothing, lodging, emotional support and family reunification.
In British Columbia, municipalities are responsible for planning and operating emergency responses within their jurisdictional areas, including Emergency Social Services, with assistance funded by the province. The Corporation of the City of Rossland has a well established Emergency Social Services Program that operates in Rossland, and this program is prepared to meet the needs of the community for the first 72 hours following a disaster or emergency.
The success of the Emergency Social Services program in Rossland depends on a strong partnership between community volunteers and staff of the Corporation of the City of Rossland to plan and provide for the essential needs of individuals, families and response workers.
The Parks, Recreation and Culture department is responsible for administering Rosslands program and employs a full-time Emergency Social Services Manager. The Emergency Social Services Manager administers the Emergency Social Services program in consultation with the Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture and the Chief of the RDKB Fire Department.
ESS Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers are responsible for undertaking their own personal preparedness in order to be able to respond quickly and professionally during emergency situations.
In the event of a major emergency or disaster in Rossland, the first responsibility of an Emergency Social Services volunteer is their safety and the safety and security of their family. When this has been established, volunteers are responsible for providing emergency human support services.
Volunteers in Rosslands Emergency Social Services program are responsible for obtaining training in Emergency Social Services. Offered through the Justice Institute and support organizations, training is available in various emergency management topics including (but not limited to) Reception Centre Operations, Registration & Referrals, Family Reunification, and Disaster Child Care. No specific skills are required to become a volunteer. However, skills in areas such as volunteer management, interviewing and second languages are considered an asset.
How to Become a Volunteer
The Corporation of the City of Rosslands Emergency Social Services program is dependent on the willingness of individuals in the community to help plan for the well-being of their community in the event of a disaster. Emergency Social Services Volunteers assist their communities in many ways, including:
Informing the public of resources available following a disaster;
Providing for the essential needs of people affected by a disaster;
Creating linkages to first responder agencies;
Maintaining rapport with local businesses and service agencies;
Identifying potential Reception Centre and Group Lodging sites;
Exercising emergency response protocol; and
Recruiting and training volunteers.
Volunteers are always needed, and welcomed. If a volunteer position in emergency response interests you, the Corporation of the City of Rossland is currently recruiting volunteers into its' Emergency Social Services program. A commitment of approximately 2-4 hours bi-monthly is required for training and exercises.
For more information about becoming an ESS volunteer, please email ess@rossland.ca, or contact Rosslands Emergency Social Services Manager at (250) 362.7396.
To find out more information about Emergency Social Services in British Columbia, please visit:
www.ess.bc.ca or the Emergency Management BC website (Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General) at: www.pep.bc.ca/Emerg_Mgmt_BC.html
Rossland Amateur Radio Society
RDKB Amateur Radio Society (KBARS) are the professionals who volunteer their time to operate emergency communications. KBARS assists in providing the uninterrupted flow of accurate information within all areas assigned. With links to the entire world, they provide independent and stable communication services when normal systems are threatened or have collapsed entirely.
Public Safety Links
Canadian Disaster Child Care Society
E-Comm 911 (Emergency Communications for Southwest BC)
EPIX (Emergency Preparedness Information Exchange)
Environment Canada (weather information)
EPICC (Emergency Preparedness for Industry and Commerce Council)
ESSA (Emergency Social Services Association)
ESS Program Office (Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Safety of CellPhones and Cellphone Towers
Telephone Pioneers Amateur Radio Club
The Salvation Army BC South Division
Emergency Management Plans
Rosslands Emergency Program Office has an all-hazards emergency management plan detailed in the Corporation of the City of Rossland Emergency Plan. The provincial government has also developed a plan specifically for responding to an influenza pandemic: the BC Pandemic Influenza Consequence Management Plan. This plan was prepared by the British Columbia Pandemic Influenza Advisory Committee, which reports to the Provincial Health Officer through the BC Centre for Disease Control and other provincial, federal and health sector partners.
The purpose of the Plan is to inform British Columbians about the global and local risks of an influenza pandemic, and to provide the information and guidelines needed to fulfill roles and responsibilities to minimize these risks.
In the event of an influenza pandemic, or the threat of one, the pandemic plan describes how the BC Ministry of Health Services, and BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General/Provincial Emergency Program will provide a coordinated response by working closely with partners including:
The Public Health Agency of Canada
Interior Health & other regional health authorities
The Local Government Emergency Programs
The response would be coordinated using the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a standardized, all-hazard incident management structure that provides a common organizational framework within which people can work together effectively.