Technology’s Role in Emergency Management

24 February 2012

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BC Risks and Realities

Earthquake and Tsunami

Forest Fires

Floods

Avian Flu & BSE (Mad Cow)

SARS and Pandemic Influenza

Severe Storms

Power Outages

Dangerous Goods/HAZMAT Spills

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KELOWNA 2003

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West Coast Winter 2006

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Spring Freshet 2007

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Dunsmuir Street Fire - July 2008

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Squamish Slide 2008

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Summer Fire Season 2009

Bella Coola Valley

Kingcome Inlet

Highway 20

September 2010 West Coast Storm

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Threat environment is changing:Threat environment is changing:

● Frequency and severity of natural disasters

Japan and New Zealand Earthquakes

2011 Floods in Manitoba, Quebec and BC

Slave Lake Interface Fire

● Terrorist attacks on western targets

● Pandemics/epidemics (human and animal)

● Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure

● Power outages

Canadians expect their government to be

vigilant and prepared to face these challenges.

Government of Canada’s RoleGovernment of Canada’s Role

“Emergencies are handled primarily by the municipalities/provinces/territories. If the nature of the emergency begins to threaten lives of Canadian citizens and their property, and overwhelms the resources of the

provincial/territorial governments, the Government of Canada may be requested to provide assistance.”

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First Nation Emergency Services

First Nation Emergency Services Society FNESS

• Funded by AANDC to provide fire service education and emergency preparedness

• Works with First Nations to engage in emergency management and assist in development of community emergency plans

• Delivers emergency management awareness sessions/training around the province.

• If required or upon request are available to provide support to communities during emergencies.

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● Prevention / Mitigation

● Preparedness

● Response Response

● Recovery

Emergency Management Framework

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Emergency Management CycleEmergency Management Cycle

• These pillars are interconnected. The activities within them take place concurrently and in support each other.

• The emergency management cycle is an holistic and ongoing process.

Joint Planning InitiativesJoint Planning Initiatives

With Federal, Provincial and/or Local Government Partners:

RESPONSE

● Federal Regional Pandemic Plan

● Foreign Animal Disease Emergency Support Plan

● Border Integrity Migrant Ship Tactical Operations Plan

● Major Air Disaster Plan

● Marine Emergency Response Plan

● Seismic Integrated Response Planning Steering Committee

● Tsunami Integrated Preparedness Working Group

● CBRNE Working Group

● Exercise Coordination

● Disaster Response Routes (iNet)

● Regional Emergency Communications Working Group

RECOVERY

● Maritime Commerce Resumption Plan

● Regional Disaster Debris Management Working Group

● BC Critical Infrastructure Steering Committee

● Logistics Management

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Critical Infrastructure

Players:

• Public Safety Canada

• Other federal government departments

• Emergency Management BC

• Provincial ministries

• Local governments

• Private owners & operatorsRoles

• Determine what is critical infrastructure

• Conduct risk management analysis processes

• Develop risk reduction strategies

• Distribute and share alerts, warnings and best practices

• Respond and restore critical infrastructure following major events

Critical InfrastructureCritical Infrastructure

Tools for Capacity BuildingTools for Capacity Building

● Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessments (HRVA) Do you know where your weak points are?

● Consequence of Loss Tool Evaluating not only your assets but your interdependencies

● Business Continuity and Recovery Plans Understanding how you are going to mitigate your challenges so you

can get “back to new normal” faster.

● HAZUS (www.hazus.org) Modeling your communities for scenario based planning

● MASAS (http://ircan-rican.gc.ca/projects/masas) Multi Agency Situational Awareness System

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER● Exercises (TTX, CPX, Full Scale)

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We are in this together!We are in this together!

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Thank you!

www.publicsafety.gc.ca

May 7th to 12th, 2012 is Emergency Preparedness Week!

Are YOU Ready?

Building a Safe and Resilient Canada