The Comox Valley Emergency Program (CVEP), administered by the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), would like to thank the many volunteers, First Nation and local government participants who helped in making the regional earthquake exercise on September 27 a resounding success.
“This exercise would not have happened if it wasn’t for the hard work from so many volunteers and staff exercise participants,” says Howie Siemens, CVRD Manager of Emergency Programs. “In going through simulations like this, we’re able to better understand how to respond in real situations and deal with the needs of the community. A lot of lessons were learned and we’re very grateful for that.”
In total, 204 volunteers and staff participants were involved in the exercise from the following organizations:
- Community Cares Peer Outreach;
- Comox Valley Emergency Radio Communications;
- Comox Valley Search and Rescue;
- St. Johns Ambulance First Aid volunteers and therapy dogs;
- Emergency Support Services volunteers from Comox Valley, Campbell River and Quadra Island;
- K’ómoks First Nation;
- City of Courtenay;
- Town of Comox;
- Village of Cumberland;
- Comox Valley Regional District;
- Strathcona Regional District Emergency Program;
- Fire Services personnel from the City of Courtenay, CVRD and Town of Comox;
- Department of National Defence;
- Comox Valley RCMP;
- Residents who volunteered as ‘evacuees’;
- Calian Group (exercise consultants).
The purpose of the September 27 exercise was to support staff and volunteers from K’ómoks First Nation and local governments to gain experience activating a regional Emergency Operations Centre and coordinating support to four field activities that occurred within the community. They were able to practice their roles and responsibilities as guided by the Emergency Program Act, use local emergency operational plans, procedures and guidelines, and learn new skills in a controlled learning environment.
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.
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:
Howie Siemens, Manager of Emergency Programs
250-334-6488