2018-2022 Financial Plan

OFFICE OF THE CAO – EMERGENCY PROGRAM

ESS is typically available for 72 hours, but in some instances the Province may extend support for a longer period of time. The Province may also require assistance from Maple Ridge to support other EOCs and ESS Reception Centres. Through an agreement with the City of Pitt Meadows, the Program also provides for integrated planning and response to emergencies impacting both communities. Volunteers are a valuable and necessary component of the emergency program. They help to deliver public education efforts, provide valuable feedback on program objectives and are instrumental to the delivery of Emergency Support Services. Implementation of the recommendations presented by the Process Review Team will assist in the recruitment and retention of ESS volunteers. Align the EOC training and exercise calendar to complement the plans and exercise schedule being developed by Emergency Management BC and the Integrated Partnership for Regional Emergency Planning. Develop and deliver a reference guide for elected officials that provide critical information on the role of Mayor and Council related to the activation and first operational period of the Emergency Operations Centre. 2018 Workplan Emphasis

Services Provided The Emergency Program ensures that Maple Ridge and its residents are adequately prepared to respond to an emergency event. The Emergency Program develops and maintains a series of emergency plans for supporting emergency responders and coordinating a response when necessary. The Program provides opportunities for coordinated joint operations and training to staff, volunteers, businesses and the community in the areas of preparation, response and recovery. The intent is to ensure those involved in the emergency response system are well versed and capable of implementing the British Columbia Emergency Management System (BCEMS) model. In an emergency, citizens may find themselves on their own for an extended period of time. The intent is also to encourage residents to develop personal and family emergency plans and to volunteer to assist their neighbourhood and their community to begin the recovery process. In 2017 our EOC and ESS (see below) members were called on to assist other communities in their time of need. Mutual aid between communities forms part of this department’s role. The Emergency Program is also responsible for providing Emergency Support Services (ESS). ESS is a provincial emergency response program through which staff and local ESS volunteers provide short-term assistance to residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies. This assistance includes food, lodging, clothing, emotional support and other services to meet immediate needs.

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