When a community member needs assistance or an emergency occurs, the Central Saanich Fire Department, Central Saanich Police Service, and Emergency Program are there.
Our Emergency Program is a division of the Central Saanich Fire Department. We support municipal efforts to prepare for, respond to and recover from major emergencies and disasters.
Operating out of the Central Saanich Fire Department, the District of Central Saanich's Emergency Management Division is responsible for major emergency planning, mitigation, response, and recovery for events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, extreme weather, etc. We encourage residents, businesses and organizations to prepare for emergencies. We provide expertise, free materials and resources, volunteer opportunities, emergency preparedness workshops, and an emergency notification system.
Know your hazards and be prepared!
Knowing which hazards you need to plan for is the first step to getting prepared. Not sure what to prepare for? Use Emergency Management BC's hazard map to see what could occur near you.
Winter storms can create personal safety issues if you are not prepared. Following weather forecasts and paying attention to personal emergency preparedness will reduce any possible impacts to your family and your property. It is a good idea to make a habit of listening to local radio or television stations for weather warnings and advice.
Hazards and Risks Association With Winter Weather Include:
- Car accidents due to slippery roadways;
- Slips and falls on slippery walkways;
- Falls from heights (e.g. cleaning the gutters or roof);
- Hypothermia and frostbite due to exposure;
- Being struck by falling objects such as tree branches;
- Risks due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines;
- Roof collapse or property damage under weight of snow or falling trees;
- Exhaustion, exposure or dehydration;
- Isolation and lack of basic supplies including prescription medications;
- Stranded motorists;
- Injuries while shovelling snow;
- Melting snow or storm surges causing flooding; or,
- Home fire safety risk.
Heat Failure
Most home-heating systems depend on electric power. To prepare for a power failure, you may consider installing a nonelectric standby stove or heater. Choose approved heating units that do not depend on an electric motor, electric fan or other electrical device to function. If the standby heating unit uses the normal house oil or gas supply, ensure that it is connected and vented properly.
Before considering the use of an emergency home generator during a power outage, check with the dealer or manufacturer regarding power requirements and proper operating procedures. Use caution and follow directions when operating generators, ensuring they are in a proper, well-ventilated area. Do not connect your home portable generator directly to a house wiring system without the proper installation of an approved transfer switch and an inspection and approval by an electrical inspector.
Furnace and fireplace maintenance considerations are very important in preparing for winter weather. Never use a camp stove, barbecue, or propane or kerosene heater indoors. A build-up of carbon monoxide gas in unventilated areas can be deadly.
If Your Home Heating System Fails
Should your home heating system fails:
- Remain calm – your house may remain warm for several hours.
- Avoid opening doors unnecessarily.
- During a power failure, turn off all electrical appliances.
- If you have a safe, approved alternate heat source, begin using it before the house cools down.
- Ensure that you maintain adequate ventilation.
- Stay warm by dressing in layers and bringing out extra blankets.
- Consider closing off one room for primary heating and use.
- If concerned about pipes freezing, opening a tap even a small amount may keep water moving through the system enough to keep pipes from freezing.
Icy Conditions
Remember, stairways and sidewalks may be icy and increase the risk of falls. Keep these areas clear and snow free. Consider using some salt, sand or other material to provide traction in these areas.
Hypothermia
Windchill is a combination of cold temperatures and wind conditions which may cause rapid loss of body temperature. Excess windchill may require special precautions for outdoor activities. If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, know how to begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance.
Evacuations
In extreme conditions, some people may want to make arrangements to stay with relatives, friends, or neighbours. Listen to weather forecasts and instructions from local officials, as reception or warming centres may be set-up in your community. Keep an eye out for neighbours who may be at risk in severe conditions. Always follow the instructions of first responders and local emergency officials.
Ensure a supply of basic essentials is in your home for at least 72 hours. If you must leave your home on short notice, remember to take your emergency “grab and go” kit. This should include:
- Flashlight and battery powered radio;
- Extra clothing;
- Essential medicines and toiletries;
- Essential emergency supplies including water and food;
- First Aid Kit; and,
- Important documents, cash and family identification.
Although most power outages last for just a few minutes, in extreme cases such as during severe weather events, outages can last for longer periods of time. Extended power outages do happen from time to time, so it makes sense to be prepared.
Think ahead and have a flashlight, electric lantern, extra batteries and candles on supply.
Remember to use candles with caution and with proper candle holders. Never leave candles unattended, as they can be a potential fire hazard. It is recommended to use flashlights or electric lanterns instead.
Prepare for possible isolation in your home and consider an alternative safe heating system. Also ensure that you have sufficient heating fuel for fire places or wood burning stoves. Every home should have smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers. Families should have a fire escape plan in place.
It is a good idea to assess the trees on your property and trim dead branches to reduce the danger of them falling onto power lines or your house during a storm.
Stay away from fallen power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you may run the risk of electrocution. Also, remember that ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the storm.
For more information, see BC Hydro's Outage Preparation Checklist.
The District has developed a Heat Response Plan so we can act fast when extreme heat is forecasted.
Learn more about the Extreme Heat Response Plan.
With heavy rain and ground saturation, residents are asked to use extreme caution on roads and in forested areas.
Learn about heaving rain and flooding preparedness
It's important to stay informed when a pandemic is expected. You can do this by paying attention to the trusted sources below:
World Health Organization (WHO)
Check for current Public Health Alerts from HealthLinkBC.
Earthquakes are common in British Columbia. Around 4,000 are recorded in the province each year. Most of these earthquakes are too small to be felt, however, earthquakes strong enough to cause damage do happen. The most at-risk regions of British Columbia are along the west coast, where the threat of a destructive tsunami is also very real. Take the time to prepare. It’s important that all people in British Columbia know what to do during and after a major earthquake and tsunami.
Prepare BC Earthquake and Tsunami Guide
How to prepare:
- Understand what tsunami zone you live in; the Tsunami Information Map at maps.prepareyourself.ca is an online tool that lets you enter any address in the capital region to see if it’s located inside or outside of a Tsunami Hazard Zone.
- Plan your evacuation route in the event of a tsunami warning. This includes planning how you would get to an area outside the Tsunami Hazard Zone by foot or bicycle.
- Sign up for Saanich Peninsula Alert to ensure you receive tsunami alert notifications and know there are different Tsunami Alert Levels.
- If you feel an earthquake that makes it difficult to stand, remember to drop, cover and hold on. Once the shaking stops, leave the Tsunami Hazard Zone. If you are located outside the Tsunami Hazard Zone, remain there and be prepared to assist family and friends in need of shelter. Stay tuned to local media for further instructions.
A Local Tsunami (caused by a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake off the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island) is the main tsunami threat in the Capital Region and is associated with a “felt” earthquake. Feeling a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake will be an early warning sign of a potential tsunami; however, the earthquake will need to be substantial to trigger a significant tsunami.
During a significant event in Central Saanich, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be activated for a coordinated response to the event. We have designated receptions centres throughout the municipality and the location would be noted during the time of the event. The Reception Centre would be open to support residents who have been left their homes.
All residents in Central Saanich should be prepared for an emergency at all times. Plan to be self-sufficient for one week – local emergency responders will be overwhelmed during a significant event. Consider pets and children’s needs. It is critical that you Prepare Yourself! Understand the risks, make a household emergency plan, and get your emergency kit together.
Resources
- Emergency Management BC (EMBC)
- CRD Tsunami Map maps.prepareyourself.ca
Contact Information
For more information about our District's emergency plan, please contact the Emergency Program Division at 250.544.4231 or email EmergencyProgram@csaanich.ca.
Central Saanich Emergency Program | https://www.centralsaanich.ca/programs-services/emergency-services/get-… |
Emergency Info BC | Find current and official information during emergencies in B.C. https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/ |
CRD Prepare Yourself | For a wealth of resources see https://www.crd.bc.ca/prepare-yourself or stop by Station #1 on Keating for your copy of A Guide to Emergency Preparedness in the Capital Region. |
Emergency Management & Climate Readiness Blog | Make your Emergency Ready Plan https://blog.gov.bc.ca/emergencymanagement/emergencyready/ |
BC Hydro - Free portable air conditioners | If you live in an income qualified home and/or have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC). See BC Hydro website |
Do you have a question or concern about something in your neighbourhood, and you’re not sure who to call and don't see it listed below?
Check out centralsaanich.ca/community-resources