What we do
Public safety and the well-being of citizens is a crucial function of local government. Local hazards and local hazard warnings must be taken seriously, which is why the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has implemented an Emergency Management Program for its four Electoral Areas. The Emergency Management Program is responsible for the direction and control of coordinated response to and recovery from major emergency events or disasters.
This is accomplished by maintaining current emergency plans, forging effective partnerships with municipal partners and regional emergency management organizations, encouraging emergency preparedness through public outreach and education, offering electoral area residents free access to SLRD Alert - an emergency notification system, posting emergency notices and information, and ensuring an adequate complement of trained emergency personnel, including community volunteers.
If the magnitude of the event overwhelms the capabilities of the Regional District, the province will assist by activating the provincial emergency management structure to support local emergency operations centers (EOCs). In an emergency event, regional and municipal staff, volunteers, first responders, First Nations and non-government agencies would all be involved in the emergency response. The function of the EOC is to support the disaster site in a variety of ways, such as acquiring supplies, coordinating agencies, providing public information, and managing evacuations.
The SLRD Emergency Management Program does NOT coordinate or facilitate daily emergency response activities under the jurisdiction of the RCMP, Fire Department or BC Ambulance Service.
In addition to the Emergency Management Program, the SLRD funds and/or operates select Emergency Services in the region including:
Five steps to disaster resilience:
- Be in the know, not in the dark. SIGN UP free for SLRD Alert
- Be ready wherever you are. STOCK UP your emergency kits for your home and vehicle
- Understand the hazards in your community. READ UP on your local Communtity Emergency Plan.
- Have an emergency PLAN for people and pets.
- CONNECT with your neighbours.