FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The City of Dawson Creek is working to prepare residents for emergency responses during Emergency Preparedness Week from May 5th to 11th, and as part of the week, the province will be issuing an emergency alert test.
BC’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness announced on May 1st that the emergency alert test will sound out across radio and television broadcasts and cell phones at 10:55 a.m. Mountain Standard Time on Wednesday, May 8th.
“This test will assess the system’s readiness for an actual emergency and identify any required adjustments,” The release stated.
During the 2023 wildfire season, 24 BC Emergency Alerts were issued, alongside numerous civil emergency alerts, Amber Alerts, and federal emergency alerts for hazards including tornadoes, thunderstorms, storm surges and hurricanes.
Following the test, British Columbians can complete an online survey to share feedback on the test and system administered by Public Emergency Alerting Services.
During the week, Dawson Creek encourages residents to register for Northeast BC (NEBC) Alerts, sign up for the City Emergency Newsfeed and volunteer for Emergency Support Services.
The City Emergency Newsfeed is the platform where all emergency news related to Dawson Creek is posted by the City Emergency Team.
“In the case of a large emergency where an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is activated, this is the platform where evacuees can expect to find information about the centre,” said the city in a release.
To subscribe to the newsfeed, click here.
The city is also asking any interested residents to sign up to be Emergency Support Services volunteers.
“In 2023, the City’s Emergency Support Services (ESS) team supported over 2500 evacuees with lodging, food, clothing, and animal services.”
The city is hosting a volunteer recruitment event on Tuesday, May 14th, at Beans and Barley, 1444 102 Avenue, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fort St. John residents interested in signing up to be an Emergency Support Services volunteer can submit a volunteer registration form through the Fort St. John website.
NEBC Alerts is also available for those wanting emergency information about the region. Through the service, residents can choose whether to receive alerts through email, phone or text.
The BC SPCA is also participating in Emergency Preparedness Week, reminding pet-owning British Columbians to include their pets in their emergency planning.
“Making a plan for your pet not only ensures their safety, it also plays a role in the safety of emergency responders and families,” Bill Penhallurick, the BC SPCA’s emergency response manager, said in a May 6th press release.
Residents are encouraged to have pet carriers that are easily accessible, medication and medical records packed, and several weeks’ worth of food, water and treats.
“People forget that during an emergency, accessing a pet store for food and supplies may be impossible,” Penhallurick said.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for an emergency or evacuation, even if they are not presently under an evacuation warning or order, by refuelling their vehicles, packing essential items and exploring alternative accommodations outside the range of the evacuation order.
The BC SPCA maintains an emergency checklist on their website and offers boarding during mass evacuations.
“Emergency boarding through the BC SPCA means we take these pets into our care temporarily while evacuees find a place to stay. We welcome visits from the guardians and even provide updates on how their pets are doing while in our care. There is no limit to the pet’s length of stay,” Penhallurick said.
Emergency preparedness kit checklists are also available for residents preparing for the worst through the province’s website.
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