We organized two Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Plan meet-ups at our Comox community senior’s centre. We spread the word about our meeting through email, posters, word of mouth, delivering door-to-door flyers, and answering questions on people’s doorsteps.
We arranged for two speakers for our first meet-up on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Cari McIntyre, Emergency Planning Coordinator at the Comox Valley Emergency Management addressed Emergency Management in the Comox Valley and provincially including Fire Smart initiatives, community evacuations including when to shelter in place, Emergency Operations Centres, Emergency Radio Teams, tools including Get Notified, evacuee registration and assistance and top hazards in the Comox Valley.
Jim Lariviere, Assistant Fire Chief of Fire and Life Safety at Comox Fire Rescue, also joined us to answer questions related to these areas and more specific to our community.
Then, with the idea that a neighbourhood potluck would be a great way to continue to make connections and build a resilient community, we held a neighbourhood potluck on Saturday September 7. Forty neighbours came together for a fun and successful gathering.
Two speakers presented at our second meet up on Saturday September 28, 2024. Rick Howell gave a presentation outlining his and his wife’s experiences in the Hanshin earthquake in Japan. Scott Goodman, Coordinator Regional Emergency Radio Communications, provided information regarding his work and the work of his team. Scott brought emergency communications equipment to show us.
Lois North, with Comox Days for Girls, presented to us and noted: “In a time of disaster (anywhere in the world) menstruation and supplies are last on the list or not provided at all. Because of my Days for Girls work, at any given time I have at least 100 sustainable cloth menstrual kits which include soap and washcloths. These kits are never for sale and will be provided to anyone….. especially if we find ourselves in a disaster situation.
Dr. Sarah Scott reminded us that there are five Comox Valley Disaster First Aid Stations (DFAS). A DFAS is a medical clinic that has agreed to provide first aid and basic medical care to the public in the event of a major disaster. We were informed of where the DFAS clinics are located including the location of our community DFAS clinic.
We announced the dates for the next two CPR and Personal Emergency Preparedness classes in the Fall at the Comox Fire Hall. We encouraged participants to complete/update the Resident Information Sheet so that we have each other’s contacts. We also asked for volunteers for the 6 committees listed in the NEPP Guide and we now have volunteers for all.
Looking ahead, future meet ups in 2025 will include reports from each of the 6 committees as well as a speaker on the topic of flooding.
Our community is becoming better prepared to help each other in the event of a declared emergency. We are building connections and community resiliency.
We wish to express our gratitude for the support of Neighbourhood Small Grants, Comox Valley for our NEPP community initiative.
