Tag: Preparedness

Are You Prepared?

Dear Homeowner, 

Being prepared before and when disaster strikes is something only you can initiate. There are many great resources readily available that will help you understand what potential hazards you might face and what you can do to be prepared for them. However, the responsibility lies with each of us individually to seek out this information and be prepared for the unexpected. 

The following is a list of resource that will help you be better prepared for an emergency: 

◆ Know Your Hazards

Being aware of what hazards you should prepare for is the first step in emergency preparedness. Although severe weather, power outages etc. are factors, one of the most likely and significant threats to our community is wildfire. Because we live in a wild land interface area, it’s important that we are ready and understand what to do before, during and after a wildfire. 
The Wildfire Preparedness Guide is an excellent resource to help you plan for such an emergency. + Click here to access the Wildfire Preparedness Guide

◆  Build a Household Emergency Kit & Grab and Go Bag 

At the onset of a disaster, you might need to stay at home with your emergency kit, or you may need to leave at a moment’s notice with your grab and go bags. Now is the time to gather and organize supplies so you are ready should disaster strike. + Click here to access instructions and videos, on how to build a household emergency kit & grab-and-go bag 

◆  Make Your Emergency Plan

A well thought out emergency plan communicated with everyone in your household can save time (and lives) during an emergency. Everyone will know what to do, where to call and how to stay safe if an emergency were to happen. Make sure to review the plan with each member of your household and involve them in the planning process. Keep a copy of this plan in an easy to find and easy to remember place. If you have out-of-town visitors staying with you during wildfire season – tell them about your plan!

◆  Register with the City of Vernon Connect (NOW) 

The Vernon Connect App is now up and running and available for all devices. Visit the App Store or Google Play to download. Among the many things you can use the app for, the emergency alert feature will kick in if an emergency occurs that requires residents to act. In such cases, the “report a problem” banner changes to read “alert” and the colour changes from green to red. Residents should read the alert to help decide next steps.

If you don’t have a smart phone, you can still subscribe to stay up to date on the latest news and events happening in the Vernon area. + Click here to register.

Guidelines and Best Practices to Help Us,
In the Event an Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order Is Issued:

Preparing for an Evacuation

Our best defense is a good offence. Be prepared and have a well thought out plan including:

  1. Grab and Go Kits are ready with clothing and valuables 
  2. Written list of who is to do what in house, readily available 
  3. Set up links to monitor for City of Vernon communication and media: 
  4. Preselect a meeting place for your family in case you are separated when an Evacuation Order is called. For example, a local coffee shop, the mall parking lot, a friend or relative’s house, etc. 
  5. Keep the gas tank of at least one personal vehicle always full. 
  6. Make sure you have one or two of your neighbours’ cell phone numbers in case you need to connect with them. 
  7. Also, it is a good idea to have that information handy in case you have a neighbour who is not tech savvy and may need your help accessing the right information. 
  8. Let your neighbour or a community friend know if you are going on vacation so that you can be accounted for if there is ever an evacuation. 
  9. If you can, set up an alternate place to stay, should an evacuation happen (e.g., stay with family or friends in another location). 
  10. Make sure you are registered with Block Watch in the event a phone tree of communication is ever needed. 
  11. There is an alternate emergency exit up at Sparkling Hill, it is currently gated and locked. In the event that it is required during an evacuation, it will be unlocked by authorized EM personal and could be used as our second exit out, if and only if we are instructed to go that way. DO NOT USE this exit, UNLESS we have been given clear instructions to do so.
Stages of Evacuation

There are three (3) stages to an evacuation. 

  1. Alert Stage 
  2. Evacuation Stage 
  3. Evacuation Rescinded Stage 

First and foremost, follow the instructions provided by the local emergency coordinators & responders. You are prepared because you have made an emergency plan and your grab-and-go kits are ready to go. 

Stage 1: Standing by on Alert 
  1. Have your grab-and-go kit ready and packed in the vehicle, along with any personal items that you want to bring with you. 
  2. Cell phone charged and charger, car keys and wallets etc. close by. 
  3. Monitor the City of Vernon media outlets, Vernon Connect, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook for information on evacuation orders and location of Evacuation Reception Centres. 
  4. Check Vernon Castanet online for new updates. 
  5. Monitor local radio stations for updates (Vernon’s Pure Country 105.7 and Beach Radio 107.5 FM). 
  6. Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Alert or Order be called while separated. 
  7. Arrange transportation for all your household members. Depending on the situation transportation may be provided.
  8. Ensure alternate accommodation for all members of the family are set up and confirmed 
  9. Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours. If assistance is needed reach out to first responders. 
  10. Prepare to take pets with you. 
  11. Remove combustibles such as patio cushions, plastics etc. from the exterior of your home. Bring these items inside your home or garage. 
  12. Do not drive towards the danger if it is close by, as it could create congestion and confusion for the first responders.
Stage 2: Order to Evacuate
  1. The order to evacuate usually comes from the City of Vernon Emergency Management Services. Depending on the situation, the order could come from other authorities including the RCMP or BC WildFire Service.  
  2. Emergency officials may instruct you to shut off your utilities, or they may end up being shut off by the utility company to protect the natural gas or electricity systems. Do not shut off your natural gas unless instructed to do so.
  3. Leave the house. Do not try to stay to protect your property, as this just causes more work for the first response personal who are trying to get us all out safely and do their jobs. 
  4. Drive slowly and safely with the traffic, be kind, be calm, let people out of their driveways so we can all get out safely. Drive in an orderly fashion, using the zipper method to allow traffic to flow evenly. 
  5. One vehicle per household will help alleviate the congestion on the streets and roadways. 
  6. Follow the signs if they have had time to place them. If not, watch for emergency personnel who will be directing traffic and evacuation flow. 
  7. Put the OK sign in your window as you leave, lock all the doors and windows. + Click here to download a printable Emergency OK sign 
  8. Once you are safely out of danger and if an Evacuation Centre has been set up, please make sure you register so that Emergency Support Services will have you accounted for. Register your family at the Evacuation Center or online with the Provincial Emergency Support Services at https://ess.gov.bc.ca
Stage 3: Evacuation Rescinded 
  1. The order to rescind the alert or evacuation will come from City of Vernon EMS. 
  2. It will be posted on all City of Vernon communication and media sites and at the Evacuation Centre or Command Post. 
  3. Do not return home until the order has been rescinded.

If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to your PRCEMC online at: PRCEMC.ca/Contact-Us.

Your Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC)

Jane Toppozini, Gord Wilson, Luiz Araujo, Karen Grimsrud, Robert Scott, Colleen Scott.

PRCEMC Community Safety Message

Dear Neighbours;

To say that 2021 was a challenging year would be an understatement. During the continuing COVID pandemic, we managed through a significant heat dome in early summer that set the stage for one of the worst wildfire seasons ever throughout the province. If that wasn’t enough, this fall has recorded some of the heaviest rainfall coastal areas have ever seen, resulting in serious flooding and damage to structures, the transportation infrastructure and supply chains. 

While one might ask, “what could be next?”, a better question is, “how can I be better prepared?”

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS THROUGHOUT THE WINTER 

Severe weather like snow storms, thunderstorms, hail, freezing rain, blizzards, high winds or heavy rain can happen with little warning, and in any season and these severe weather patterns can often cause a loss of power.  When preparing for potential severe weather, it is a good rule of thumb to be prepared for at least 48 – 72 hours of isolation.

It is important to have an emergency plan and have done some preparation, in the event that we are isolated for an extended time.  BC Emergency Management has some excellent advice and information on Preparing for Severe Weather and power outages: 

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/severe-weather

A power outage can involve a short- or long-term loss of electricity to an area, and we may find ourselves without light, heat and hot water.  In the event of a power outage in our area, it is always a good idea to confirm that BC Hydro is aware of it.  The faster they are advised, the sooner they can dispatch repair crews.  To confirm power outages are reported in our area, go to BC Hydro’s outage list/map.  

If our area does not appear on the BC Hydro map or list of outages call BC Hydro and log the outage as soon as possible: 1-800-224-9376.

https://www.bchydro.com/power-outages/app/outage-list.html

SAFETY

Winter is upon us and the shorter darker days are here once again.  The cold weather, ice, and snow can also increase the chances of slips and falls.  If you are out walking on the roadways with family, friends and pets, please keep in mind that you are not always visible to oncoming traffic especially at dawn, dusk and at night.  Wearing some form of reflective clothing or headlamps is one way to stay VISIBLE. With the fluctuating temperatures, the road and pathways can be very icy and slippery.  Wearing cleats and using poles is an excellent way to prevent any unexpected and possibly dangerous falls. 

CBC Marketplace did a study this year to find out which winter boots were actually better for winter walking or hiking.  The article “5 out of 6 winter boots fail slip test on ice” can be found here:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/marketplace-boot-test-1.6252613

BLOCK WATCH 

2021 has been a quiet year for Block Watch activities here at Predator Ridge, which means another successful and crime-free period in our community. The pandemic has limited our Block Watch yearly meetings with Captains, Co-Captains and especially our newer residents. If you have recently moved to Predator Ridge and have not been contacted by your neighbourhood Block Watch Captain/Co-Captain, please contact the Predator Ridge Block Watch Committee at blockwatch_predator_ridge@prcemc.ca or visit us at our website at https://prcemc.ca/block-watch/.  Please continue to look after each other.  Turn on your outside lights at dusk and help keep our neighbourhoods safe.

FIRESMART

A picture containing text, grass, outdoor Description automatically generated
White Rock Lake Fire Viewed from Predator Ridge Roundabout

With the proximity of the White Rock Lake Fire this summer, many Predator Ridge residents tackled their own personal FireSmart cleanups around their homes. 

This fall two significant FireSmart Events were held in our community. On Saturday, October 23rd, a sanctioned clean-up was held in the Commonage neighbourhood with over 35 volunteers from all over Predator Ridge attending. It was a great day and we filled two 25-yard waste disposal bins right to the top.  And on October 24th, Osprey Green Townhomes residents rolled up their sleeves and cleaned up a section of their common land that bordered #7 fairway of the Predator golf course.

To view further details and pictures of the 2021 FireSmart neighbourhood clean-ups here at Predator Ridge, visit the website at: FireSmart  (https://prcemc.ca/firesmart/)

EMERGENCY ALERT SIREN SURVEY

The Emergency Alert Siren Survey results were very positive.  675 residents were surveyed and 540 responded.  78% of those who took the survey were in favour of the siren and 69% were in favour of paying $100.00 to support of the acquisition and installation of an emergency alert siren. The decision was made to move forward and present the proposal to the City of Vernon.  PRCEMC members met with City of Vernon Officials on November 4th to present the project proposal. The City Fire Chief reviewed the material favourably and asked for a few weeks to further discuss the proposal and how they might incorporate the emergency alert siren within their existing emergency management system.

If the City agrees to incorporate the emergency alert siren into its existing emergency management plan, and will take on primary authority over the horn, then PRCEMC will move forward with further community engagement.  The City will meet and discuss their decision mid-December.

For further details and survey results visit the PRCEMC website. https://prcemc.ca/alert-siren/

TRAFFIC FLOW

There has been a fair amount of discussion over the past few months regarding the increase in traffic volume and speed on some of our community roadways.  PRCEMC members did meet with City of Vernon official to review Birdie Lake Drive and Falcon Point Way, resulting in the replacement and upgrading of a proper stop sign and installation of a warning sign ahead.   We also engaged with Wesbild regarding the increase in traffic flow and the challenges the community is experiencing due to the increase in traffic.  Predator recognize that there are some challenges with the current traffic flow and volume, and have agreed to take time over the winter to determine the right plan of action for moving forward.    

COMMONAGE ROAD IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE – CRIC 

As the Commonage Road Improvement Committee has completed their objectives and the committee will be winding down, we would like to thank the committee for their contribution to building a safer community.  All of their efforts to have improvements made to Commonage Road have been greatly appreciated by all.  Thank you to Jane Toppozini, Gord Ball and Morgan Grant.

ADDITION TO PRCEMC

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Karen Grimsrud to the PRCEMC.  Karen has recently moved to our community and brings with her a wealth of expereince in emergency management planning, she will be a great resource to the community and a welcomed addtion to our committee. 

COMMUNITY SAFETY CONTEST  

The PRCEMC is hosting a community safety contest! Winners will receive either a set of Head Lamps or a Reflective Vest. To enter simply answer a few questions regarding Community Safety and your name will be entered into a draw to win a Head Lamp or Reflective Vest.  Contest will close midnight on December 18th, 2021. (Please only one entry per person).  

Click here to enter the Contest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_rG0IWB0m2zYOeXDZZF9mpJYgdGXADBycRwoHrlIhzg/edit

We wish you all a safe, and very Merry Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year 2022.

Sincerely,

Your Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC)

Jim Popowich
Colleen Scott
Jane Toppozini
Gordon Wilson
Luiz Araujo
Karen Grimsrud

Important Community Message

Predator Ridge Community Emergency Alert Siren

Dear Homeowners,

This wildfire season has been an exhausting one on many fronts. We are fortunate however, that we are seeing some reprieve from the weather and a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel with regards to the smoke and wildfires this year. Please keep in mind though, fire season runs from April 1st to October 31st.

In an ongoing attempt to keep all our residents safe, we have been reviewing additional avenues to enhance our community’s safety. Our committee has done some extensive research regarding the use of emergency alert systems and their effectiveness in remote and semi remote communities.

We have been working with both Predator Ridge and Sparkling Hill, and we have all agreed that although the current technology of using cell phone and email alerts is effective, it may not be the total solution for our community should the City of Vernon ever need to get an emergency alert out to all the guests, visitors and Predator Ridge residents, especially in the middle of the night.

We have looked at other communities that have successfully utilized cell phone and email technology in tandem with an emergency alert system to notify their community of imminent danger. Using all these systems together provides far better coverage and peace of mind to residents.

Accordingly, we are proposing the acquisition and installation of a High Power Directional Siren to be centrally located within the Predator Ridge Resort. Accordingly, we have completed a cost analysis for the acquisition and installation of an Emergency Alert Siren and related equipment. The cost of the acquisition and installation would be in the neighbourhood of $100,000.00.

With approximately 800 households in the community, if each household contributed a minimum amount of $100.00, we could reach our target goal of $75,000. Once we raise this initial amount, Predator Ridge (Wesbild) and Sparkling Hill Resort will contribute the remaining amount up to $25,000.00. This cost sharing ratio was calculated based on the table below.

Contribution Breakdown by Community Groups

Figure 1

A meeting has been scheduled with City of Vernon officials and the City of Vernon Fire Chief, to discuss and firm up roles and responsibilities in the management of a Predator Ridge Community Emergency Alert Siren.

In order to proceed with this project, we would like to survey the community and ask for your support to raise the funds for the purchase and installation of an Emergency Alert Siren. Please take the time to review the material located within the attached links:

1. Link to Emergency Alert System Information Package

2. Link to High Power Directional Siren Specs

If you are willing to support this important community project, Please click the SURVEY link text in the Community Message that was sent out to all residents on September 23rd, through the Community Messaging email. Please complete ONLY ONE survey per household. The survey will run for 14 days (Sept 23 – Oct 6th)

We would like to have the Emergency Alert Siren installed in the spring of 2022, so it is up and functional for the start of the next fire season. If you have any questions please email us at: questions@prcemc.ca

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support on this very important initiative.

Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee,

Jim Popowich,
Jane Toppozini
Gord Wilson
Colleen Scott
Luiz Araujo

Be prepared, not panicked in an emergency

When is the best time to prepare for an emergency? 

When there isn’t one! 
While our community has been navigating the ups and downs of the pandemic over the past year, an emergency – whether flood, fire or other, stops for no one, including COVID-19.

This is the time of year for all Okanagan residents to check and update their family emergency plan.  If you don’t have a plan yet, the PRCEMC webpage offers plenty of resources to help guide you through the process. 

“Being prepared to look after your family for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency is something we all need to do each year,” says Jim Popowich – PRCEMC Coordinator.

He adds, “Moving from winter to spring provides a great opportunity for residents to check through their ‘grab and go’ kit.  Take stock of materials you need to replenish and ensure that you replace any outdated food, prescriptions, water or other items you may need should an emergency evacuation force you from your home.”

Don’t Have a Emergency Kit?

For those that may not have a plan or kit yet, you’ll find a number of useful links, preparedness information, checklists and videos at on the PRCEMC website at https://prcemc.ca/resources-and-links/

Having a plan and kit brings some peace of mind.  There may not be a lot of advance notice during the early stages of an emergency response. If the threat is imminent, you may only have a few minutes to get your family and belongings together before being directed to leave your home.”

Get Connected

Every Predator Ridge resident is encouraged to visit Vernon.ca and subscribe to receive notices directly from the City of Vernon’s Operation Centre if its activated an emergency. Also, the Vernon Connect App is now available. Read more about this app for your smart phone on the City of Vernon Website. 

Residents should also be also aware that in this COVID-19 pandemic environment, health and safety protocols will be in place for any Emergency Reception Centre in order to protect Emergency Support Services volunteers and evacuees visiting in person.   Also a new online program provided in conjunction with Emergency Management BC was introduced in 2020.  It provides an easy online self-registration option for anyone on Evacuation Alert or forced from their home due to an Evacuation Order.  During an emergency, this will help ESS volunteers administer and coordinate resources for anyone eligible for assistance and help under the Emergency Support Services program.