With wildfires currently burning in Electoral Areas C and D, the Emergency Management team at the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) accelerated the launch of its SLRD Alert service, developed using the ePACT Emergency Network.

Initially slated for launch later this month, the SLRD Alert service was rolled out via social media channels last week, and close to 500 people have already registered for the free service.

Using the secure, online network, ePACT, the SLRD Alert service allows residents to sign up and receive important news and updates directly from the SLRD via telephone, text (SMS) or email.

Alerts about emergency situations and public safety threats can include severe weather, wildfire, floods, debris flows, unexpected road closures or other impactful events, all relevant to a specific locale.

The SLRD Alert service has been developed for residents and property owners living or owning recreational property in the SLRD’s four electoral areas A, B, C and D. 

“During emergencies, communication needs to be immediate, accurate and tracked,” says Ryan Wainwright, the SLRD’s Emergency Program Manager. “For the first time, with the SLRD Alert service in place, the SLRD Emergency Program will be able to contact residents directly during emergency events.”

“These fires are a reminder of how important it is to be informed and prepared for emergencies,” says SLRD Area A Director and Chair of the SLRD’s Electoral Area Directors Committee, Debbie Demare. “The SLRD Alert service is a tool our residents can rely on for accurate and timely emergency information. We hope people will take advantage of this free service so they can be more empowered to take action to protect themselves, their families and properties in emergency situations.”

Download the full news release here.