EMO News Release - August 17

Tourism on Vancouver Island
As travel resumed within BC and Canada as part of BC’s Restart Plan, Tourism Vancouver Island launched the "Tread Lightly" campaign as a reminder to visitors to practice mindful travel in the Vancouver Island region. And with so very little rain and high temperatures this summer, Vancouver Island Tourism also shared the Emergency Preparedness resources compiled by Destination BC.

The Province of BC declared the east side of Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands at Level 4 on its drought warning system. Drought Level 5 is rated as the most severe. Destination BC encourages tourism businesses to please remind visitors of current conditions and to be extremely careful.

Emergency Management 101
For your interest, here is information related to an emergency operations centre. Any questions, please let us know. As well, if there are other areas or elements of emergency preparedness you would like information about, please do let us know.

What is an emergency?
An emergency is defined as a present or imminent event or circumstance which:

• Is caused by accident, fire, explosion, technical failure or the forces of nature
• Requires prompt coordination of action or special regulation of persons or property to protect the health, safety or welfare of a person, or to limit damage to property.

What is an Emergency Operation Centre?
It is a central location (facility) from which local governments can provide interagency coordination and executive decision-making action plans in support of incident response and recovery operations.

Emergency Management Oceanside provides a regional emergency management service to the Town of Qualicum Beach and the City of Parksville, while also offering support to neighbouring communities and First Nations. As required in the Emergency Program Act, EMO has developed the necessary emergency operations response plans, has in place emergency program coordinators, and has established a method of program delivery that utilizes the four pillars of emergency management: prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

The purpose of this service is to provide a framework for supporting local governments and emergency responders during an emergency or disaster. This may be in the form of additional management support, resources to address the incident or incidents, or activation of an EOC. In other words, during an emergency EMO provides support only; it is not the first responder. When an EOC is required, it will take a team of trained staff and volunteers to activate and operate. The primary person responsible in an EOC is the EOC director, and a chief administrative officer typically fills this role. Elected officials play a key role as the Policy Group supports the EOC director and/or chief administrative officers during all stages of an emergency.

Why open an Emergency Operations Centre?

• Event exceeds the capacity of day-to-day first responders.
• Provide support and coordination to a large-scale emergency or a multiple location event (disaster).
• Provides coordination and support for a large scale, pre-planned public event such as Canada Day, a large car show, contentious public meeting, etc.

What are the levels of EOC activation?

• LEVEL 1 - Small event with one site and two or more agencies involved. EOC may be mobile or stationary with limited staffing. Example - larger structure fire, planned public event.
• LEVEL 2 - Moderate event with two or more sites, multiple agencies involved. EOC activated to staff Section Chief and above positions with potential for multiple days. Example - flooding, landslide, extreme weather event.
• LEVEL 3 - Major event with multiple sites and agencies across multiple jurisdictions. EOC activated to staff all positions for multiple days and potential 24/7 response. Example - Interface wildfire, earthquake.

CAMPFIRE BAN remains in effect. Campfires, Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited throughout BC. Until further notice, all open burning, including campfires, beach fires, and fireworks, are prohibited within the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Fire Protection areas to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public safety.

To report a fire:

• Fire emergency (threat to lives and/or property) - 911
• Open fire in the Qualicum Beach Fire Protection Area - 250 752-6232
• Open fire in the Parksville Fire Protection Area - 250 248-3242
• Beach fires - 1 877 952-7277 (RAPP line)
• Wildfire reporting - 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 on cell

Voyent Alert!
In the event of an emergency or natural disaster, we can never be too prepared. Voyent Alert! is a multi- purpose communication service used to send alerts to residents, businesses and visitors during critical events such as floods, wildfires or other emergencies in the region. The City of Parksville and Town of Qualicum Beach use the notification system for a variety of non-critical notifications specific to each municipality.

Registration for the service is FREE, simple and anonymous.

• For mobile app alerts download and install the Voyent Alert! app from the Apple or Google Play app stores.
• For email, text message or voice call alerts register online.

COVID-19 Info

Vaccination Program
Walk-ins are welcome at immunization clinics for your first or second dose. To avoid a possible wait, anyone 12 years or older can make an appointment to be vaccinated. Walk-in; Register online; or phone and your confirmation number will be used to book. Please refer to Island Health’s website for info or phone 1-833-838-2323 to book an appointment.

Step 3 – BC Restart Plan
We are now in Step 3 of the BC Restart Plan, which sees a return to normal for indoor or outdoor personal gatherings. Step 4 could come into affect as early as September 7 but is dependent upon vaccination rate of population 18 and older, along with low COVID-19 hospitalizations. Information on BC’s Restart Plan steps is available here.

Mask or no mask?
Remember! Masks are recommended in indoor public places for everyone 12 and older who are not yet fully vaccinated. Here are some things to consider:

• Masks are optional for children ages 2 to 12.
• Children under two years should not wear masks.
• Proof of vaccination does not need to be requested by service providers.
• Some people may choose to continue to wear a mask after they're fully vaccinated and that's okay.

GENERAL INFORMATION

From the Town of Qualicum Beach
Town Hall is now open to the public with full services. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except statutory holidays). Although the office will be open from 9 am to 4 pm, residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the other options for conducting business with the Town, including email, phone, or regular mail. If you do wish to attend in person at Town Hall, masks are recommended at this time. Contact by:

Email
qbtown@qualicumbeach.com

Phone
250 752-6921

Post
PO Box 130, Qualicum Beach V9K 1S7

Mail Slot
Out front of Town Hall, nearest the fountain (660 Primrose Street)

Website

From the City of Parksville
City Hall is open to the public from 8 am to 4 pm and the operations department in the Industrial Park from 8 am to 4 pm and closed noon to 1 pm. Here is information for the public:

• Entrance to the Parksville Civic and Technology Centre is from Jensen Avenue East only, with a one-way system in place to reduce contacts. Exit is through the cenotaph doors.
• Masks are strongly recommended while in the building.
• Staff may elect to meet with the public either in-person or virtually and in-person meetings will comply with
• protocols on physical distancing and masks.
• For now, access to the Vancouver Island Library continues to be the outside entrance, east parking lot.
• Main floor washrooms are open for public use.
• The public is welcome to attend Council meetings in-person beginning with the September 8 meeting. Until
• that time, meetings are webstreamed from the City's website.
• If sick, stay home and get tested.
• Refer to City website, as well as Let's Talk Parksville for more information.

For information, contact:

Rob Daman
Emergency Program Coordinator, Town of Qualicum Beach
rdaman@qualicumbeach.com

Aaron Dawson
Emergency Program Coordinator, City of Parksville
adawson@parksville.ca

Deb Tardiff
Manager of Communications, City of Parksville
dtardiff@parksville.ca