Emergency Preparedness - Town of Gibsons

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program

The Town of Gibsons, District of Sechelt, and shíshálh Nation have joined the SCRD to form one integrated emergency program, known as the Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP). Municipal and regional district staff along with volunteers, first responders, first nations and non-government agencies plan, train, and exercise together to be ready for the next large-scale emergency or disaster.

How does it work?

Municipal and regional district staff along with volunteers, first responders, first nations and non-government agencies plan, train and exercise together to be ready for the next large-scale emergency or disaster. 

When required, an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated by the SCRD to support an emergency or disaster. Emergencies are managed by following the four phases of emergency management; mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. 

An EOC is responsible for various duties such as declaring a state of local emergency, coordinating multiple agencies, providing media releases and managing evacuees. 

For information about the Emergency Program, please email emergency.program@scrd.ca or call 604-885-6887. 

*SCEP are not emergency responders. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Go to Sunshine Coast Emergency Program page

 

Preparing for an Emergency: FAQs

In recent years, British Columbia has experienced a range of large-scale disasters, including extreme weather events, floods, and wildfires. This has prompted many Sunshine Coast residents to ask important questions, such as:1. What are local governments doing to prepare for a major emergency?2. How can I best prepare for a major emergency in our region? and3. What should I do if a major emergency occurs on the Sunshine Coast?This document, developed by the Sunshine Coast Regional District, provides the essential information you need to answer those questions and guidance on where to find more detailed information on these topics.View Preparing for an Emergency: FAQs

 

Evacuation Plan for The Bay/Bluff Area

The Sunshine Coast Emergency Program has just released the Evacuation Plan for The Bay/Bluff Area. The Plan provides information for emergency personnel such as identifying specific evacuation routes, vehicle staging locations, and other considerations that should be used as part of an evacuation. 

 

View the Evacuation Plan for The Bay/Bluff Area

How to stay informed during an emergency:

  1. Refer to www.scrd.ca/emergency-alerts for current updates and information
  2. Sign up for and follow alerts through our Voyant Alert! emergency alert system: www.scrd.ca/alert-system
  3. Listen to the radio (Coast FM 91.7)
  4. Follow the SCRD on Facebook and Twitter

 

Evacuation Alert: What to do

SCRD Evacuation Alert Brochure: Be Prepared. Be Safe. Be on Alert!

What you should do when an evacuation alert is in effect

  1. Locate all family members or co-workers and designate a safe meeting place in the event that an evacuation order is called.
  2. Gather essential items such as medication, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photos, etc.) Have these items readily available for a quick departure.
  3. Consider moving any disabled persons and/or children to a safe area.
  4. Move pets and livestock to a safe area.
  5. Arrange to transport household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order.
  6. Arrange accommodation for your family, if possible. In the event of an evacuation, emergency accommodation will be provided if required.
  7. Monitor media (SCRD Facebook, Twitter, www.scrd.ca and 91.7 FM radio) for information on location of Reception Centres and status of evacuation orders.

What you should do if you have to evacuate

  1. Take an emergency survival kit with you.
  2. Take prescription medication and identification for the entire family.
  3. Listen to the radio and follow instructions from local emergency officials.
  4. If you are instructed to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity. Lock your home.
  5. Make arrangements for your pets.
  6. Wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the conditions.
  7. Follow the routes specified by emergency officials. Don’t take shortcuts. A shortcut could take you to a blocked or dangerous area.
  8. If you have time, leave a note telling others when you left and where you went. If you have a mailbox, you can leave the note there.
  9. If you are evacuated, you will be asked to register with the local ESS emergency reception centre (to be determined at time of evacuation order.)

Keep this list handy. Printable version available here: Evacuation Alert Checklist July 2019.

The Government of British Columba maintains an Emergency Information website which includes emergency preparedness information and a BC Emergency Info News Feed.