Emergency Preparedness

The Emergency Program ensures the City is prepared for and able to manage small and major catastrophic events, whether manmade or natural disasters.

Responsibilities of this program include:

• the City’s emergency management training program
• oversight of supplies and staffing of the City’s Emergency Operations Centre
• coordination of the Emergency Support Services volunteer team; and
• providing education to Staff and community on emergency preparedness.

The City’s new Fire Hall, which will be completed in 2022, will incorporate a new Emergency Operations Centre, which will allow for better response to major emergencies.

Priorities for the Emergency Program are disaster mitigation, preparation, response and recovery.

Be Prepared: Free Emergency Preparedness Workshops 

The City offers a series of free in-person Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP) workshops. These workshops will equip citizens with the necessary information so that they can plan ahead and take care of themselves and their neighbours during a catastrophic event.

Course Descriptions 

There are currently no workshops scheduled. Please stay tuned for more in the future.

Heat Preparedness

Climate change is leading to higher summer temperatures and hotter days in Pitt Meadows. This can cause Heat Warnings and Extreme Heat Emergencies that are dangerous to public health and wellbeing. Learn how you can prepare for heat events.

FireSmart

The Emergency Program has recently added the FireSmart BC program to the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program suite of courses. We all share the responsibility for reducing the potential impacts of wildfire, we encourage our residents and property owners to join us in this important effort.

If you have questions about how you can become a FireSmart Neighbourhood Champion, or how you can learn more about FireSmart in Pitt Meadows, contact  the FS Coordinator at 604.803.3804 or email jsingh@pittmeadows.ca.

Emergency Preparedness: Five Steps Everyone Needs to Know

Be prepared for emergencies, not scared. Older adults are among the most vulnerable during an emergency and may face additional challenges due to mobility, health, or support issues. Being prepared for emergencies allows you and your family to survive disasters for at least 72 hours, when first responders may not be able to reach you and community emergency support services may be overwhelmed. Watch the video and learn the five steps to being prepared for emergencies.

This film, created by Pace Creative, is offered with several accessibility options including sign language, closed captioning, and descriptive text. 

Flood Preparation  

Pitt Meadows is at risk of flooding annually. The freshet period—when rivers flood due to heavy rain or snowmelt—takes place from April to July, and flooding is   most common in May and June. 

Learn more about steps the City is taking to prepare for floods and how you can prepare to minimize flood damage.     

Air Quality

During wildfire season, if wildfire is not in our area, smoke can travel long distances from other parts of the province and can affect air quality in Pitt Meadows. Air quality advisories are issued when conditions have degraded to the point of potential risk. When there is poor air quality, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and stay indoors if you have respiratory issues. Learn more at fraserhealth.ca/airquality.

For local air quality conditions, click here.

Emergency Kits

What should your emergency kit include? See our Emergency Kit Checklist.

Need help with your kit? We have you covered. You can purchase a deluxe emergency kit, including everything you need to be prepared. Kits available at City Hall include: One-Person Emergency Kit; Two-Person Emergency Kit; Four-Person Emergency Kit. Compare the content of the kits here. For more information email: emo@pittmeadows.ca.

Why Prepare for Emergencies?

Being prepared allows you to:

• Take care of yourself, your family and neighbours in any disaster;
• Reduce the risk of injury or loss;
• Reduce fear and anxiety; and
• Reduce the impact of disaster on your property, so emergency responders can available to deal with major emergencies first.

Prepare for emergencies by having basic supplies on hand in an easily-accessible place in your home. In many emergency situations, responders will likely be unable to reach you and your loved ones for days.  Having the necessary supplies allows you to take care of yourself and your family for at least one week following a disaster.

What Kinds of Emergencies Should You Prepare for?

It's important to be ready for any emergency, and to prepare for hazards that may be more likely in your community. In Pitt Meadows, extreme weather, flooding, wildfires, pandemics, earthquakes and other hazards can pose a risk.  Visit Emergency Alerts & Events.

Emergencies and People with Disabilities

If you are a person with a disability or you have special needs, it is important to have an emergency plan ahead of time so your needs can be met in an emergency or you can take care of yourself, if you are unable to leave your home for a period of time.

• Establish a network of neighbours, friends and family, who can help you during an emergency or evacuation.

• Prepare an emergency kit with extra food and water, medications and other aids or items you will need specific to your disability. Find out if your pharmacy will deliver in case you are housebound.

ShakeOutBC

We all need to be better prepared for major earthquakes, and know how to protect ourselves when they happen. The purpose of the ShakeOut is to help people and organizations do both.

British Columbians "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in The Great British Columbia ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in Canadian history!  It takes place province-wide annually on a specific date in October at 10am. Register and learn more at shakeoutbc.ca.