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Fire and Emergency Services

Sunshine Coast Emergency Program

The Government of British Columbia maintains an Emergency Information website which includes emergency preparedness information and a BC Emergency Info News Feed.

The Sunshine Coast Emergency Program has a program coordinator to plan, respond, and recover from both natural and man-made disasters. The coordinator keeps the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in a state of readiness and maintains the emergency medical and response supplies. For more information, see the Sunshine Coast Regional District Emergency Program or call 604-885-6887.

Emergency Preparedness

Two of the most likely events we may experience here are wildfires or power outages.

For information on other types of emergencies see Emergency Management BC.

Wildfire

Protect your home and be FireSmart. You can pick up print material from the District Office or go to the BC Wildfire website.

Maintain a fire-resistant area around your home. This means no dry debris or firewood within 2 meters of the house.
Prune lower branches on trees to within 2 metres of the ground
Lower density of trees to 3 metres to reduce the opportunity for flames to jump to the next tree.
Consider fire-resistant material when replacing roofing or siding.

Evacuation Alert:

Put gas in the car. Get extra if you can.
Pack your essentials.
Have everything you want to take at the door, in your trailer or in your car ready at a moment's notice.
Let your family or friends know where you are, where you plan to go and choose an emergency contact person who lives outside the area.

Evacuation Order:

You are at risk. Leave the area immediately.
Local police or RCMP enforce evacuation orders.
Register all family members at the reception centre so emergency responders know that you are safe. The reception centre records your information in case you may be eligible for support services.
Listen to the radio, check local news sites, the District of Sechelt's or Sunshine Coast Regional District's website, and Facebook pages for information on the best routes to take, shelter sites and changes to the evacuation order.

Power Outage

Extended power outages may impact the entire community, the economy and may also:

Disrupt communications, water, and transportation.
Close retail businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, ATMs, banks, and other services.
Cause food spoilage and water contamination.
Prevent use of medical devices.

Prepare:

Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines.
- Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures
- Get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
Sign up for local alerts and warning systems.
Monitor weather reports.
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage.
- Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member.
- Have enough nonperishable food and water.
Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored.
- Throw out food if the temperature is 5 degrees or higher.
Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

During an outage:

Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
If safe, go to an alternate location for heating or cooling.
Check on neighbors.