Emergency Planning

The District of Coldstream, as are all municipalities in BC, is required to complete an emergency plan to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. In May 2002, the District entered into an agreement with the City of Vernon to share in the development of a joint plan and its administration and implementation.

This agreement was approved by bylaw, and is intended to provide a comprehensive program of emergency management through a coordinated response of Council, officers and employees of both communities, volunteer services and external agencies that will respond to natural and man-made hazards with the goal of preserving life, property, the local economy, all in a manner that will ensure the continuity of government.

If there is an emergency, residents are advised to call 911 for most situations (e.g. fire, police, ambulance, etc). The 911 service will then mobilize other departments or agencies as required.

Personal Preparedness

The District has an Emergency Plan, but as a resident, you should have a Personal Preparedness Plan.

• In the case of an emergency, are you prepared to look after your family and yourself for a minimum of 72 hours?
• Do you have a plan to provide water, food and shelter for your immediate family?
• If they have special needs, can you meet them?

Download the list of items that should be in a BASIC KIT (80Kb PDF) to keep on hand, as well as a CAR KIT (50Kb PDF) to keep in your vehicle.

You may have some of these items already, such as a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, water and blankets. The key is to make sure they are organized and easy to find. Would you be able to find your flashlight in the dark?

Make sure your kit is easy to carry. Keep it in a backpack, duffel bag or suitcase with wheels, in an easy-to-reach, accessible place, such as your front hall closet. Make sure everyone in the household knows where to find the emergency kit.