2016 Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report … · 2016 Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report Prepared by: Bill Elsner CEM, CTR Emergency Program Coordinator

2016

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report

Prepared by: Bill Elsner CEM, CTR Emergency Program Coordinator

Emergency management programs address six principal elements: risk assessment, preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and program evaluation. The Sunshine Coast is susceptible to many types of disasters and emergencies. The highest risks are wildland urban interface fires, dangerous goods, landslides, tidal storm surges and earthquakes. These events can have collateral effects sufficient to prompt a formal declaration of a local state of emergency. The Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) is a function of the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) and encompasses all municipalities and electoral areas on the lower Sunshine Coast from Port Mellon to Earls Cove. This integrated program was one of the first regional emergency programs in the Province of British Columbia. SCEP has a full time Emergency Program Coordinator (EPC) whose Provincially legislated role is to keep the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in a state of readiness, train staff and volunteers and educate the public in emergency preparedness.

The Emergency Planning Committee is chaired by the EPC and is composed of representatives from agencies having direct functional responsibilities during a major emergency. Training, planning and overall situational awareness are the primary purpose for this committee. Agencies included but are not limited to: RCMP, Fire Departments, BC Ambulance, Sechelt and Gibsons public works, BC Wildfire Services, Vancouver Coastal Health, BC Ferries, Salvation Army, School District 46, Emergency Management BC, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI), Telus, and BC Hydro. Additionally, a number of volunteer groups attend such as Emergency Support Services (ESS), Search and Rescue (SAR) and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM SAR).

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly evident with drought conditions in the summer becoming common and an increased number of of extreme rainfall events during the fall/winter months.

Heavy rainfall caused several roads to washout in 2016 leaving 130 residents isolated from all emergency services. Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue was tasked by the EPC to set up a command post to coordinate provision of rescue services for the

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isolated residents. They also delivered urgently needed medication to a trapped elderly resident. Heavy precipitation also caused bridge washouts on several occasions on the Port Mellon Highway. The Emergency Program worked with MoTI to coordinate detour notifications to emergency services and the public.

The threat of wildfires is always a big concern during our increasingly hot, dry summers. This year there were 4 reported wildfires in the SCRD. None of these fires affected structures and all were expertly managed by the BC Wildfire Service. The prompt reporting of wildfires by the public is responsible for keeping these fires small and manageable. Annual cross training between the BC Wildfire Service and the local Fire Departments continues to pay huge benefits during responses by ensuring everyone can communicate and operate cohesively in order to manage events safely and effectively.


In early June the Emergency Program hosted the ShakeZone earthquake awareness event. Over 400 residents attended and had a chance to experience what the effects of a magnitude 7.5 earthquake would feel like by taking a “ride” on the Quake Cottage earthquake simulator. The public also had a chance to meet with local firefighters and explore a fire truck, meet with paramedics and look inside an ambulance and see the inner workings of the SAR mobile command post. The Salvation Army made sure everyone had water and ESS volunteers kept the line to the simulator moving along without a hitch. The Insurance Bureau of Canada and The Co-Operators and the Sunshine Coast Credit Union were major sponsors of this event and each had booths set up with information on earthquake preparedness and insurance options. Our hope is that this can turn into an annual emergency preparedness event on the Sunshine Coast.

The EPC conducted numerous emergency preparedness presentations for local governments, schools, community associations and seniors groups. Training exercises took place for ESS volunteers and SCEP promoted and participated in the “Great BC Shakeout” earthquake drill in October.

The EPC continues to sit as a community emergency management subject matter expert on the University of Victoria Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC). The EPC is also a regular attendee of the Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response (MEOPAR), a national network of scientists, researchers and community responders dedicated to reducing vulnerabilities, response times and risks in the Salish Sea.


The SCEP website www.scrd.ca/emergency-program is a one stop shop for information on personal preparedness, hazard awareness, volunteer organizations and details about the emergency program structure.

As you can see in the volunteer activity statistics at the end of this report, the residents of the Sunshine Coast are very well served by over 145 dedicated, committed and highly skilled un-paid professionals. These men and women gave up over ten thousand hours of their time to train for and respond to citizens in need. The actual cost of these donated hours is less than $5.00 per Sunshine Coast resident. From a public safety perspective there is no doubt lives are saved each year by the heroic actions of these selfless individuals.

On behalf of all the residents of the Sunshine Coast I would like to thank all the emergency services volunteers who serve us 24/7. You have our overwhelming support and profound appreciation.

Respectfully,

Bill Elsner CEM, CTR Emergency Program Coordinator Sunshine Coast Regional District January 03, 2017


Public Awareness Presentations and Committee Involvement

o Sunshine Heights Owners and Renters Association

o Pender Harbour Seniors & Harbourside Friendship

o Sechelt Public Library

o Gibsons Public Library

o Jack and Jill pre-school parents

o Persephone Brewing Occupational Health and Safety Committee

o Roberts Creek Community Association emergency preparedness day

o Home Alone program- Gibsons Elementary school

o Chatelech High School Joint Health and Safety Committee

o Welcome Woods Residents Association

o The West condominium Residents Association

o RCMP based Victim Services

o SCRD Staff lunch and learn sessions on emergency preparedness

o The Great BC Shakeout promotion and activities

o Frequent submissions to local media regarding public safety issues such as extreme weather precautions, fire smart initiatives, travel safety, storm surges and general preparedness

o Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue Association

o Thormanby Island Vaucroft Residents Association

o Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre

o SCRD Community Dialogue sessions in Electoral Areas F, E, D,B and A

o Sechelt Youth Centre

o Seniors Planning Table


Operations and Planning

o Restructure of the Emergency Communications Team

o Maintain current contact information of all emergency response personnel

o Chair monthly meetings of the Emergency Planning Committee

o Regular updates to Vital Services Directory

o Maintain and test emergency backup generators

o Complete a base map listing of Critical Infrastructure with back-up power generation

o Update Emergency Support Services Reception Centre database

o Maintenance on the Portable Water Purification Unit.

o Regular tests and maintenance of VSAT and MSAT satellite communications systems

o Inspect and maintain emergency medical supplies including 200 Bed Emergency Hospital and Casualty Collection Units (2)

o Inspection and repairs to Mobile Command Unit

o Provide advice and guidance to local authority staff on matters dealing with public safety

o Maintain Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in a state of readiness and functionality

o Frequent interviews with local media on emergency preparedness matters

o Provide exercise support for response agencies

o Provide information on Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) to residents recovering from eligible events

o Update Emergency response and Recovery Plan (ERRP)


Training and Exercising

o Emergency Support Services conducted numerous documentation and reception centre tabletop exercises

o Great BC Shake Out earthquake drill 2016

o Coordinate First Responder instructor training funding with BC Emergency Health Services for all coast fire departments. Organized train the trainer Naloxone administration training.

o Critical Incident Stress Management awareness sessions for SAR, ESS and local Fire Departments

o Community Disaster Recovery training

o Emergency Operations Centre training to SCRD staff

o Emergency Operations Centre training to Emergency Communications Team volunteers

o EOC Finance level 3

o Ice Rescue and Awareness training


Emergency Support Services (ESS)

Emergency Support Services (aka: emergency social services) volunteers provide short-term support (up to 72 hours), to preserve the emotional and physical well-being of individuals who are evacuated from their homes during an emergency.

The goals of ESS are to:

o Help people plan and prepare for emergencies o Respond to emergencies whenever and wherever they occur o Assist in the recovery from disasters

During a disaster, trained ESS volunteers provide:

o Food, clothing and shelter o Registration of names and addresses to re-unite families o Financial assistance through government programs o Care for pets o Information, support and comfort to those affected

The Emergency Support Services Level 1 team work with Fire Departments and Police to assist individuals in smaller emergencies such as structure fires and building evacuations. Several new members have joined and received training in how to deliver ESS L-1. In 2016 Level 1 provided assistance to 7 people who lost their homes to fires.

Another key component of ESS is the Animal Disaster Response group. Their mandate is to educate pet and animal owners about preparing for disasters. During a disaster they provide assistance to evacuees and their companion animals at reception centres. Our Animal Disaster Response Team has recently been revived with the infusion of new and interested volunteers.

This year our ESS volunteers assisted with the Shake Zone earthquake simulator visit to Sechelt. They provided food and water to exhibitors, coordinated registrations and handing out preparedness information to the public. The Shake Zone event could not have happened without their outstanding assistance.

Our SCEP ESS team meets bi-monthly where they train and participate in exercises to test and strengthen their skills. Currently we have 20 ESS volunteers, coming from all walks of life and new volunteers are always welcome. Training is extensive and free!


Search and Rescue (SAR)

Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue (SCSAR) volunteers provide land based and inland water search and rescue services under direction from the RCMP. SCSAR Society is a member of the BCSAR Association and assist with mutual aid requests from Emergency Management BC. As well, they can be tasked by fire departments, BCAS and the SCEP Emergency Coordinator to provide emergency assistance wherever it is required.

SAR team members are required to meet provincially set standards for both basic skills and technical rescue. Members are trained in Swift Water Rescue, Avalanche Rescue, Rope Rescue, Tracking, Wilderness First Aid, Rescue Communications, Search Management, all-terrain and snowmobile operations and Helicopter Hover/Exit Training.

Report on Tasks:

SCSAR responded to a total of 16 callouts in 2016 which is consistent with their 5 year average of 17.

Of the 16 local tasks, 8 calls were to assist RCMP; 6 to assist BC Ambulance, 1 Fire Department callout and one assisting the SCRD Emergency Program during the Leaning Tree Rd. washout.

The 16 tasks involved about 999 hours of our members' time. Mutual aid SAR teams from off coast contributed another 130 hours of volunteer time assisting SCSAR.

General areas where tasks occurred were: Gambier Island, Roberts Creek, Wilson Creek, Sechelt, Tetrahedron Provincial Park, Halfmoon Bay, Secret Cove, Pender harbour and Egmont.


Equipment:

A major radio purchase was made this year and now all SAR team members are equipped with a portable VHF radio and charger. These radios are a tremendous boost to our coastal communications network and will be crucial in the event of a disaster. Additional Swiftwater rescue equipment was purchased this year as well rain gear for team members.

Fundraising:

SCSAR continues to access funds available through the BC Community Gaming Grant program for operational expenses, the Province/BC SAR Association funding toward the SAR Hall Expansion Project, BC Hydro grants for training and a Sechelt Indian Government District grant went towards watercraft upgrades.

Training:

In total, our 31 team members spent over 3,130 hours training. An additional 1000 hours were spent on administrative and maintenance activities. Members also spent about 50 hours providing first aid for various community events.

Members attended off coast courses for provincial certification in Swiftwater, Rope Rescue, Tracking, Team leader skills, Avalanche and Search Dog training. Swiftwater has been a focus this year and we now have enough trained members and equipment to mount a basic swiftwater response. We intend to solidify and expand this next year. Another ongoing focus is the Patient Care Team, a group of members concentrating on providing high-level coordinated response to first aid emergencies. This is, in part, a response to new provincial requirements for increased first aid support to SAR teams in the field. Of course, all SAR team members have at least OFA1 certification.

For the third year, our team hosted a tracking course which was attended by SAR members from across the province. Camp Olave provided an excellent venue for the event and some local groups and businesses provided other phenomenal support. This type of event, besides providing excellent training, raises the profile of our team and of the Sunshine Coast in general.


Emergency Radio Service

Volunteers will be part of the Emergency Operations Centre Logistics section and will provide whatever services are required to assist the EOC such as Amateur and commercial radio, satellite communications, RMS Express digital packet. Training will include: Basic Emergency Management (BCEMS), Incident Command System 100 (ICS-100) and Radio Station Management. All volunteers will be registered as Public Safety Lifeline Volunteers with Emergency Management BC.


Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM SAR)

The 3 volunteer RCM SAR stations provide marine rescue under the direction of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC). They are also available to provide emergency marine transport to the BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) and land Search and Rescue (SAR).

Station 61 in Pender Harbour responded to 11 missions. Volunteers also assist with the annual April Tools, Pender Harbour Days, Christmas Carol Ship Cruise and Mayday celebrations. Station 61 received a “Top 3 Missions” award from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre for their role in saving the luxury yacht “Bellisima” from sinking in Pender Harbour thus averting an environmental disaster. They also received this award for a daring joint rescue off the tip of Texada Island.

Station 14 in Gibsons responded to 39 missions. They acquired a new vessel in July and a boat house in September. Fundraising to support operations is ongoing. Many members have been trained to advanced level SAR qualifications. BC Gaming grants continue to be a major source of funds.

Station 12 in Halfmoon Bay responded to 33 missions. The volunteers provided free vessel surveys and handed out free rescue kits. They also put on a free Pleasure Craft Operators course to a local high school. Station 12 also assisted the Canadian Coast Guard with oil spill investigation in Porpoise Bay


Volunteer Activity

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 14

Missions 39 Response 250 hours Rescues 2 persons Training/exercising 1,378 hours Members 27 Property saved $359,400.00 SCRD Grant $ 5,100.00


Missions 11 Response 113 hours Rescues 20 persons Training/exercising 127 hours Members 22 Property saved $80,000.00 SCRD Grant $ 5,100.00


Missions 33 Response 71 hours Rescues 38 persons Training/exercising 3,482 hours Members 44 Property saved $196,200.00 SCRD Grant $ 5,100.00

Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue

Response 999 hours Rescues 11 persons Training/exercising 3,130 hours Members 31 SCRD Grant $19,000.00

Emergency Support Services

Response 30 hours Assisted 6 persons Training/exercising 600 hours Members 20 SCRD Budget $5,000.00

Documents

2016 Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report … · 2016 Sunshine Coast Emergency Program (SCEP) Annual Report Prepared by: Bill Elsner CEM, CTR Emergency Program Coordinator