The Villages of Cache Creek and Ashcroft have recently received grants from the Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. The grants come from the Emergency Operations Centres and Training Programs fund, which provides up to $25,000 each for qualifying projects.
Ashcroft has received $25,000 to assist with the purchase of a diesel generator, which is to be installed at the Village office to permit it to function as an EOC during an emergency that results in loss of power. The need for backup power at the Village office was identified as a priority of council during numerous debriefing sessions following last year’s Elephant Hill wildfire.
“The Village office is designated as the EOC for the Village, and in the days after the fire, as we went through the debriefing process, one of the gaps that was identified was having guaranteed power,” says Ashcroft CAO Michelle Allen.
“The generator will power the entire Village office, and allow access to computers, printers, photocopiers, and the Internet if access is available.
“It’s also big enough to provide heat in winter and air conditioning in summer, and if there’s an extended power outage members of the public can stop by and charge cellphones.
“We have also advised the Ashcroft Indian Band that if the power outage affects them, they can have access to office space and equipment at the Village office if it’s needed.”
Cache Creek has received two grants: one of $25,000 for Emergency Social Services program development and training, and one of $24,996.84 for an EOC and training project.
“The ESS funding allows us to purchase supplies and equipment for the ESS team,” says Cache Creek CAO Keir Gervais. “Things like laptops, signage, grab-and-go bags, and identification vests.”
Bags will contain items such as flashlights, information for ESS volunteers such as what supports are available for those affected, and forms for residents to fill out to begin accessing those supports.
The funds will also help provide training for ESS volunteers. “That’s a big piece of it,” says Gervais.
The EOC grant will also help fund training, as well as some of the equipment and supplies needed to outfit on EOC. These include laminated wall posters identifying such things as roles and responsibilities of those involved with the EOC, maps, and transportation routes, as well as laptops and signage.
“Cllr. Lisa Dafoe, the ESS director for the Village of Cache Creek, brought together a group of volunteers who did training in Vancouver last year,” says Gervais, noting that the grant funds will help to support the group’s efforts.
“As an Emergency Program Coordinator I love having a committed group of volunteers and firefighters.
“It makes the EOC much stronger, and makes for a more resilient community.”
editorial@accjournal.ca
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