PITT MEADOWS, BC – On November 5, 2022, the Pitt Meadows Emergency Support Services (ESS) together with q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation Emergency Operations will activate a Specialized Reception Centre and Group Lodging Centre at South Bonson Community Centre as a training exercise.
“This exercise will help identify the needs of vulnerable populations that are often excluded from emergency planning,” says Mayor Bill Dingwall. “It is so important that those who are dependent on medications, oxygen machines or CPAPs, or who have mobility issues, have the support they need in the event of an emergency,” says Mayor-Elect Nicole MacDonald.
Emergency Support Services (ESS) is comprised of volunteers from your community who provide short-term assistance to residents who must evacuate their homes due to fire, flood, earthquake or other emergencies.
“We are proud to work with the City of Pitt Meadows to create a prototype emergency reception centre,” says q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation Chief Grace George. “It will enhance our ability to serve our most vulnerable community members in the event of an emergency.”
“This exercise is the first of its kind and will focus on identifying unique needs of vulnerable populations during an emergency,” says Manager of Emergency Programs Barbara Morgan. “It will help us create a specialized reception centre template that will be shared with other municipalities throughout BC.”
“Inclusive emergency response is important for the comprehensive safety and care of our communities,” says q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie) First Nation Director of Emergency Operations Ian Cowan. “This exercise is a crucial next step in our emergency planning efforts.”
A reception centre is a safe place for evacuees to go to receive basic support, including information about the emergency, as well as assistance in finding food, clothing, lodging, family reunification, pet services, emotional support and more.
Pitt Meadows Emergency Support Services (ESS) need your help to practice their skills so that when an emergency strikes, they are ready to serve you. Community members are invited to take on the role of an evacuee. In addition, they can enjoy lunch, take Emergency Preparedness Training for pets and a workshop put on by Langley Pos-Abilities Society who support vulnerable populations. To make this exercise a success, 50 volunteers are needed. Preregistration is required.
To learn more and register, please visit pittmeadows.ca/emergencyexercise.
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For more information please contact:
Carolyn Baldridge,
Manager of Communications & Community Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows
cbaldridge@pittmeadows.ca