Ten Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers gathered at the new Bowen Island Fire Hall last month to participate in setting up a reception centre as an emergency response exercise.
This exercise provided a crucial training opportunity for ESS volunteers who are prepared to help residents, that have been evacuated from their homes due to fire, earthquake or other disasters. This preparation serves to minimize the confusion and disorganization that can follow an emergency or disaster.
In an actual emergency, evacuated families would be provided with desperately needed food, clothing, and lodging at emergency reception centres, as designated by the Bowen Island Emergency Program.
Emergency Support Services are made available through the Bowen Island ESS team. We have a strong base of dedicated volunteers, however since people sometimes move or their family obligations change, there is always a need for more energetic and enthusiastic individuals to join the ESS team.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, the Bowen Island ESS team would like to hear from you. Call Carolyn at 604-803-3130 or email [email protected]
More information can be found on the Bowen Island Municipality Website.
Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) is also taking place next week, from May 7 to 13. A national event supported by Public Safety Canada, working closely with provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private sector organizations who support activities at the local level. The event has taken place annually for over 25 years.
