The Alberni Valley Emergency Planning Committee met (EPC) yesterday.  This group, consisting of representatives from all areas of the Valley, meets on a bi-monthly basis and is dedicated to ensuring our emergency planning is on track.  All levels of local government are represented including the ACRD, City of Port Alberni and Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations.   In BC, Regional Districts are responsible for emergency planning so Russell Dyson, the CAO of the Alberni Clayoquot RD, the Director of the Emergency Operations Centre.  The Valley's first responders are an important part of the EPC.  The four fire departments, the RCMP, BC Ambulance, Emergency Support Services and Search and Rescue are included. Community service groups such as the Salvation Army are on the EPC.  There is representation from local industry and the Port Authority.  During any emergency communications are a priority.  93.3 the Peak and the Arrowsmith Amateur Radio Club are represented on the EPC.  VIHA has several departments represented.  School District 70 is there.  A number of provincial and federal government organizations are part of the group. All of these organizations realize how important emergency planning is and donate their personnel to ensure our plans are comprehensive and inclusive.
Many aspects of emergency planning are part of these meetings.  Public events are planned, emergency drills and exercises are organized and conducted, and the less exciting business of budget and maintenance of the AV Emergency Plan is also managed.  Occasionally there will be presentations by groups that are part of our local planning but not necessarily part of the regular meetings.  Yesterday, staff from the Wildfire Prevention Branch of the Ministry of Forests talked about the forecast for our summer and the predicted wildfire risk.
I often get questions from the public about how our emergency planning is managed.  The ACRD is lucky to have support from so many different groups to ensure our emergency plans are in place and we are able meet the needs of everyone in the Valley when disaster strikes.  Aside from the EPC, there are opportunities for residents to volunteer as part of the Alberni Valley Emergency Program.  Please send me an emai if you are interested in learning more about these opportunities.