The Comox Valley Emergency Program (CVEP), administered by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), will be hosting a regional earthquake training exercise on September 27, 2022 from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm in the new Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Harmston Avenue and other designated locations in the downtown Courtenay area. There will be no changes to the operations of the CVRD office on September 27. Residents are still able to come in person between 8:30 am until 4:30 pm for assistance.
The purpose of the exercise is to support staff from First Nation and local governments to gain experience in a regional EOC environment to: practice their roles and responsibilities as guided by the Emergency Program Act; use local emergency operational plans and guidelines; and learn new skills in a controlled realistic learning environment.
The regional EOC exercise was developed by CVEP in partnership with the City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Village of Cumberland, CVRD and K’ómoks First Nation, with support from the Comox Valley Emergency Support Services, Comox Valley Emergency Radio Communications, Comox Valley Search and Rescue, Courtenay RCMP, as well as mutual aid from Salvation Army, St. Johns Ambulance, Community Cares Peer Outreach, and Emergency Support Services volunteers from Campbell River, Quadra Island and Nanaimo.
Throughout the day, residents may notice planned emergency training exercises occurring and may hear sirens and see emergency vehicles around several key locations where the training exercises are taking place.
“Please do not be alarmed as our teams practice scenarios within the community,” explains Howie Siemens, CVRD Manager of Emergency Programs. “By conducting this earthquake exercise our community is one step closer to being prepared if an event of this magnitude ever occurs.”
Residents are encouraged to be self-sufficient during emergency situations. Consider creating an emergency plan and grab-and-go kits for all household members, including pets. To learn more about emergency preparedness and upcoming learning opportunities visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/getprepared.
Interviews in support of the exercise will be held prior to September 27. No media interviews will be completed the day of the exercise.
The Comox Valley Regional District is a federation of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Steel
Manager of Communications and Engagement
250-334-6063