Vanderhoof, Fort Saint James and the Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nations are among 100 communities across BC who will receive funding for emergency preparedness initiatives.
According to the BC Government, 2.7 million dollars is being provided to assist with the purchase of new supplies for local emergency operations centres, conducting training and exercises to support staff and enhance capacity.
“As we move into the wildfire season, we know that many communities may need to activate their emergency operations centres (EOC) to respond and support people in their areas,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness. “Local emergency operations centres are crucial for co-ordinating emergency response to keep people safe. This funding will help communities support responders on the ground and better protect people in emergency situations.”
Nak’azdli and Fort Saint James are receiving 60-grand in relation to a joint Emergency Operations Centre.
Vanderhoof was allocated 30-thousand for an EOC training and equipment project.
Rural communities such as Mackenzie and McBride, also received money for similar programming.
The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and funds projects that support First Nations and local governments to better prepare for disasters and reduce risks from hazards in a changing climate.