Following an emergency or disaster, it is critical to have trained volunteers that can respond as quickly as possible to the situation and provide for the essential needs of individuals, families and response workers.
If you would like to make a difference in your community through volunteering with the SLRD Emergency Program, we welcome your participation. You can confirm your interest by signing up for the SLRD Alert Emergency Notification Service and following the prompts requesting information about your particular areas of volunteer interest and skill.
There are five volunteer tracks available:
- General Emergency Volunteers assist with traffic control, evacuations, and other tasks as directed by the Emergency Operations Centre.
- Social Media Volunteers work under the SLRD Public Information Officer to provide current and accurate information via Facebook and Twitter, and to monitor local and national media for emerging issues. This is an excellent youth volunteer opportunity.
- Emergency Social Services (ESS) Volunteers work to support individuals and families displaced by emergency events, and work closely with partner ESS programs in neighbouring municipalities. Sometimes, this means helping out a single family displaced by a house fire. Other times, it means working at reception centres or evacuation shelters.
- Rapid Damage Assessment Team (RDAT) Volunteers are people with a technical or engineering background or interest who can deploy throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor following an emergency event. RDAT members conduct damage assessments, and ensure that private buildings are safe for residents.
- Emergency Operations Centre Volunteers have a background or some training in emergency management or incident command systems. Because of the nature of these positions, only experienced volunteers or people with appropriate training are eligible.
For further information, please contact:
Michael Fusca
Emergency Program Manager
Phone: (604) 356-3082 (business hours)
Email: mfusca@slrd.bc.ca
After-hours Emergency Contact: 1-800-298-7753 (ask for the SLRD Emergency Program Director)