Powell River Regional Emergency Program
The Powell River Regional Emergency Program (PRREP) began on January 1st, 2012, with the amalgamation of the former PRRD and City of Powell River emergency programs. PRREP aims to deliver an effective emergency program for all residents within the Powell River Regional District, including the City of Powell River.

All local authorities in BC are obligated to fulfill emergency management responsibilities as outlined in the BC Local Authority Emergency Management Regulation. PRREP is working to meet this obligation through adherence to the principles of the BC Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS), the coordination of emergency preparedness, planning, training, response, and recovery activities. The program works with emergency responders, local government staff, and numerous volunteers throughout our region.


How to Get Emergency Info?
Major emergencies can cause communication systems to fail. For this reason our emergency program is planning to communicate with the public through the various media available in our region. Following an emergency, PRREP will provide information to the public through the following means of communication:

  • Local radio stations (95.7 Sun fm, 90.1 cjmp) PRREP will also provide info to CBC Radio and Vancouver Island stations.
  • Community alerting system – currently the alerting system can call all home phones within the City of Powell River with an emergency message. PRREP is looking to expand this service to the rural areas by mid 2012.
  • Social media – see our twitter feed @EmergencyPRREP.
  • Local newspaper also has current info on their twitter feed @Peak_Aboo.
  • Amateur radio – “ham” operators throughout our region have offered to act as neighbourhood communications stations should phone service be interrupted.


Personal Preparedness
While government and emergency response agencies work continually to improve their emergency management abilities, it is essential that each individual also plans for personal safety and disaster recovery.

Our region has limited emergency resources. In a major disaster there will be a delay in receiving emergency help. Experience has shown that in a major emergency a well-prepared neighbourhood is better able to help those in need.

Emergency Preparedness links:
http://emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx


Earthquakes
All of coastal BC is prone to seismic events. Learn how to prepare yourself, your home and your business at: www.shakeoutbc.ca and participate in the Great BC ShakeOut on October 18th, 2012.


Tsunamis
Our region’s geography offers some protection from the devastating tsunamis experienced in other areas of the Pacific. Low lying areas along our coastline are still vulnerable to strong waves and tides resulting from local seismic events and storm surges. Remember if you are near the seashore and feel an earthquake, it is important to move to higher ground as soon as the shaking stops.

Regional Tsunami Maps
Animation of Pacific Tsunami Model


Storm Surges
Storm surges, primarily in the winter months, can cause public safety concerns and property damage to low lying coastal areas. For more info on storm surges see the Storm Surge Forecast System Information Portal.


Emergency Links


Get Involved!
Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer groups help our community in various crucial emergency response and support roles:

Emergency Support Services
Search and Rescue
Emergency Radio Communications

 
Maps


Emergency Program Contact Information
For further information on the Powell River Regional Emergency Program contact Ryan Thoms, Emergency Program Coordinator at 604 483-3231 or emergcoord@powellriverrd.bc.ca.