Whistler Emergency Program
The Whistler Emergency Program coordinates the processes and procedures for mitigating against, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from large-scale emergencies.
Working in collaboration with local first response agencies, Emergency Management British Columbia and other external organizations the Whistler Emergency Program is responsible for the development and implementation of plans and programs to protect the community during large-scale emergencies.
Emergency Plan
Click here to view the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) Emergency Plan.
Whistler marks Emergency Preparedness Week (May 5 to 11, 2013)
The week of May 5 to 11, 2013 is Emergency Preparedness Week across Canada and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is taking this opportunity to raise awareness about emergency preparedness and provide information to help residents get prepared for emergency situations.
Living in the Sea-to-Sky corridor, our ability to respond to emergencies such as power outages, rock slides, and flooding is critical. The RMOW works closely with partners and agencies involved in emergency response and together they are continuously improving Whistler’s emergency plans, but emergency preparedness is everyone’s responsibility—from individuals, families, employers, businesses, health providers, to every level of government.
Emergency events such as earthquakes, floods and extreme weather are not preventable but planning can help lessen the impacts of such events. Preparation is important and plans should include the entire family (individuals and pets), neighbours and employers.
Read more about Emergency Preparedness Week.
Emergency Preparedness Week Activities:
Tuesday, May 7
Business Continuity Planning Seminar
Hosted by the RMOW in conjunction with the Emergency Preparedness for Industry and Commerce Council.
Whistler Library (4329 Main St., Whistler B.C.)
1 to 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 11
Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness Presentation
Hosted by the RMOW
Whistler Library, (4329 Main St., Whistler B.C.)
1 to 2 p.m.
Emergency Preparedness Week Display
Brought to you by the RMOW’s Emergency Social Services team
Nesters Market (7019 Nesters Rd., Whistler, B.C.)
10 to 2 p.m.
Hazards, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
The RMOW has completed a Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA) to better prepare the community for the types of emergency events Whistler may experience.
The assessment considers:
- The hazards that could threaten Whistler;
- The level of impact each hazard may present; and
- The likelihood of various emergency events occurring.
In addition, the assessment provides detailed information on Whistler’s essential emergency facilities, resources, and response capabilities. The RMOW has identified 32 local hazards, five with a high-hazard rating.
Download the June 2012 Hazard, Risk, and Vulnerability Assessment.
How can Whistler Residents and Businesses Prepare?
Wildfires, flooding, earthquakes, hazardous materials spills and other hazards could threaten Whistler. Residents and businesses must be prepared to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours following a major emergency. During an emergency, you and your family could be on your own for an extended period of time. Emergency services may not be readily available, as increasing demands are placed on responders. It may take emergency workers some time to get to you as they help those in most critical need.
Volunteers are a crucial part of the Whistler Emergency Program:
- The Whistler Search and Rescue team search for, and provide aid, to people who are in distress or imminent danger.
- The Whistler Emergency Social Services team provides short-term (generally for 72 hours) shelter, food, clothing and emotional support to evacuees.
- The Emergency Communications team provides a means for emergency communications when phone lines, cell phones and other conventional means of communications fail.
For more information on the Whistler Emergency Plan, contact 604-935-8473.
Visit www.getprepared.ca for information on making a plan and building an emergency kit.
BC Coalition of People with Disabilities: Emergency Preparedness
Since 2006, the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) Emergency Preparedness Project has been a leader in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in emergency preparedness in British Columbia and Canada.
The BCCPD and Volunteer Canada, have trained 20 trainers from disability organizations and volunteer centres from BC, Yukon, Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick to deliver community training in emergency planning for people with disabilities.
The training manual, Prepare to Survive - Prepare to Help, is full of exercises and resources for community groups who want to play a role in emergency planning and response in their communities.
Click here for more information.
