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British Columbia Emergency Management System (BCEMS)

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Page 2 Quick Reference: Emergency Management in British Columbia

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About Emergency Management BC

Under the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Emergency Management BC (EMBC) is the lead coordinating agency in the provincial government for all emergency management and business continuity activities. EMBC provides executive coordination, strategic planning, and multi-agency facilitation.

For more information about EMBC, visit our website:www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety

It is good practice to get familiar with your local EMBC Regional Office prior to any emergency event for technical advice, situational awareness, training and exercises:

Last Updated: June 2019 Page 3

British Columbia Emergency Management System (BCEMS)

BC Emergency Management Common Operating Picture (COP)

1) Mitigation 2) Preparedness

4) Recovery 3) Response

The British Columbia Emergency Management System (BCEMS) is a comprehensive framework that helps ensure a coordinated and organized approach to emergencies and disasters. Developed under the authority set out in the BC Emergency Program Act and the Emergency Program Management Regulation, BCEMS is standard practice for all provincial government ministries and Crown corporations as indicated in the Regulation. It is recommended as best practice for all

emergency management stakeholders in BC and applies to emergencies, disasters, and catastrophic events.

EMBC works with local governments, First Nations, federal departments, industry, non-government organizations and volunteers to support communities and First Nations so they can build resiliency, prepare for emergencies and respond to them across the four pillars of emergency management:

Mitigation is action taken proactively to prevent or minimize a hazardous event from occurring by eliminating the hazard, or reducing the potential impact.

Preparedness includes actions taken to ensure that individuals, communities, and organizations are ready to undertake emergency response, business continuity and recovery.

Recovery is where steps and processes are taken/ implemented to repair communities affected by an emergency event, restore conditions to an acceptable level, or improve them where possible, and to restore self-sufficiency and increase resilience.

Response is the phase in which the preparedness plans are put into action to an imminent or occurring emergency/disaster to manage the consequences including limiting loss of life, minimize suffering, and reducing personal injury and property damage.

The British Columbia Emergency Management Common Operating Picture (COP) is a robust system aimed to assist in creating resiliency in the Province. The use of this one common portal providing data, information and tools for emergency management will enhance situational awareness and decision making. The COP is accessible to all provincial agencies and external EMBC partner agencies that include First Nations, Local Authorities, Critical Infrastructure Owners, Federal Departments and NGOs.

Access the COP online at: https://bcgov03.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=11821451d60a49168d1f7602d379abf5

If you have forgotten the user name and password please contact your Regional EMBC office.

Page 4 Quick Reference: Emergency Management in British Columbia

1. Mitigation

Mitigation is action taken proactively to prevent or minimize a hazardous event from occurring by eliminating the hazard, or reducing the potential impact. The goal of these efforts is to protect lives, infrastructure, and the environment, and to reduce economic and social disruption. Multi-year mitigation plans, including provisions for maintenance and improvement, are most effective. They all begin with a hazard, risk, and vulnerability analysis (HRVA). The purpose of Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (HRVA) is to help community leaders make risk-based choices to address vulnerabilities, mitigate hazards and prepare for response and recovery from emergencies:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-emergency-programs/hazard-risk-and-vulnerability-analysis?keyword=HRVA

Mitigation is a shared responsibility; your local EMBC Regional office will be able to coordinate you with:

General Mitigation:The Disaster Mitigation Branch at EMBC works to mitigate the impact and risks of natural disasters in communities across the province. Specifically, the team manages and coordinates several funding programs that offer support for permanent disaster mitigation measures.

Wildfire Mitigation:The BC Wildfire Service is tasked with managing wildfires through a combination of prevention, mitigation and suppression strategies, on both public and private lands outside of organized areas, such as municipalities or regional districts.

• BC Wildfire Service website: http://bcwildfire.ca/• Wildfire mitigation:

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/vegetation-and-fuel-management/fire-fuel-management• BC FireSmart Committee: firesmartbc.ca• Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program:

https://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/funding/lgps/community-resiliency-investment.html

Last Updated: June 2019 Page 5

Flood Mitigation:Funding programs, approved projects, as well as guidelines on how to complete adequate flood mitigation projects:

• Flood Mitigation Funding Programshttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-management-bc/bc-disaster-mitigation/flood-mitigation-funding-programs

• Disaster Mitigation Funding Programshttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-management-bc/bc-disaster-mitigation/national-disaster-mitigation-program

• Professional Practice Guidelines – Legislated Flood Assessments in a Changing Climate in BC, APEGBC, and Government of BC & Natural Resources Canadahttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-management-bc/bc-disaster-mitigation/flood-mitigation-funding-programs

• Guidance For Selection of Qualified Professionals and Preparation of Flood Hazard Assessment Reports, Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/integrated-flood-hazard-mgmt/selection_of_ qualified_professionals_guidance.pdf

• Flood Mapping in BC (PDF), APEGBC Professional Practice Guidelineshttps://www.egbc.ca/getmedia/8748e1cf-3a80-458d-8f73-94d6460f310f/APEGBC-Guidelines-for-Flood-Mapping-in-BC.pdf. aspx

• Specifications for LiDAR for the Province of British Columbia (PDF), Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development – GeoBChttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/data/geographic/digital-imagery/geobc_lidar_specifications_v40.pdf

• Flood Hazard Area Land Use Management Guidelines (PDF), Ministry of Forest, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Developmenthttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/integrated-flood-hazard-mgmt/flood_hazard_area_ land_use_guidelines_2017.pdf

Provincial Technical Drought Working GroupThe Provincial Technical Drought Working Group provides drought level updates for each major watershed in the province: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/drought-information

Dike Management and SafetyLocations, safety and maintenance of dikes, Integrated Flood Hazard Management: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/public_safety/flood/fhm-2012/safety_index.html

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)ISC Community Infrastructure Unit can support funding for design and implementation of structural mitigation works based on the level of resources available: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1534954090122/1535120506707

First Nations Emergency Services SocietyActive outreach to First Nations for prevention and mitigation education and services, as well as forest fuel treatment works funding by ISC. FNESS also partners with UBCM for wildfire prevention and resiliency.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)Ensures communities are effectively linked within the provincial emergency response system and receive emergency management support.

Page 6 Quick Reference: Emergency Management in British Columbia

2. Preparedness

PreparedBC

Emergencies happen. Depending on their severity, your household could be on its own for several days while officials help those who need it most.

Sounds scary, but it doesn’t have to be. PreparedBC’s website can help you understand the hazards you face and how to prepare for them:

• Website: www.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc• Twitter: https://twitter.com/PreparedBC/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PreparedBC/

Preparedness includes actions taken to ensure that individuals, communities, and organizations are ready to under-take emergency response, business continuity and recovery. Roles, responsibilities and procedures must be under-stood with clear lines of authority followed. Preparedness includes planning, resource inventories, mutual aid agree-ments and volunteers. Education, training and exercises are conducted and evaluated for continuous improvement and proficiency. Emergency Management BC has published an Emergency Management Planning Toolkit for Local Authorities and First Nations, a self-guided emergency planning toolkit to support communities who are creating or updating their all-hazard emergency management plan:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-emergency-pro-grams/local-emergency-planning?keyword=first&keyword=nations&keyword=toolkit

Last Updated: June 2019 Page 7

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

ISC supports community preparedness through the EMAP on a proposal basis. EMAP generally seeks to support pre-paredness projects that complement services, training and supports offered by EMBC.

Details on EMAP can be found on Indigenous Services Canada’s website at www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1534954090122

First Nations Emergency Services Society

FNESS conducts FireSmart training, firefighter training, runs workshops, fire awareness and prevention, and supports EM plan development.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

EHO (Environmental Health Officers) across the region provide Coordination and Leadership at the community level.

Other Resources

Project funding through Emergency Management Assistance Program (EMAP) is available for First Nation-led emer-gency management preparedness initiatives, such as: emergency planning (not including capital purchases), emer-gency management plan development/plan exercising and emergency management training opportunities.

EMBC offers a suite of emergency management training and courses delivered through the Justice Institute of British Columbia at designated locations across the province, including in First Nations communities. Your EMBC regional representatives can provide more information:

• EM Training & Exercise Programhttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-manage-ment-bc/emergency-management-training-and-exercises/em-training-program

• EMBC Sponsored Regional Emergency Management Courseshttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-re-sponse-recovery/embc/training/embc_em_training_schedule_2019-2020_web_ready_may_16.pdf

The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) is a suite of funding programs intended to enhance the resil-iency of local governments and their residents in responding to emergencies. Funding is provided by the Province of BC and is administered by The Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM). https://www.ubcm.ca/EN/main/funding/lgps/community-emergency-preparedness-fund.html

Page 8 Quick Reference: Emergency Management in British Columbia

3. Response

Site Level

Site Support

3.1

3.2

Response is the phase in which the preparedness plans are put into action to an imminent or occurring emergency/disaster to manage the consequences including limiting loss of life, minimize suffering, and reducing personal injury and property damage.

During response, BCEMS uses a comprehensive response management

system based on Incident Command System (ICS) that ensures a coordinated and organized response to emergencies and disasters. This framework comprises four levels of command and control:

1. Site level2. Site support3. Regional support4. Provincial support

Incident - Lead Agency

An Incident Command Post (ICP) is established to direct all site response activities by single or unified command (police, fire department, BC Wildfire Service, ambulance).

Contact EMBC 24/7 emergency line at 1-800-663-3456 to report the incident and request a task number issued.

BC Wildfire Service

In the event of a wildfire emergency, the BC Wildfire Service will be the lead agency. They will establish an Incident Command Post which reports upwards to one of the six BCWS regional Fire Centres.

Local Government / Authority

When the site level requires additional support, a local government or authority will activate an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to support additional resources and to provide policy-procedure guidance and coordination.

Download the EOC Operational Guidelines here:https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-emergency-programs/guidelines

BC Wildfire Service

Representatives from the relevant BCWS Fire Zone and Fire Centre will share information with local authorities, First Nations, and partner agencies.

Last Updated: June 2019 Page 9

Regional Support3.3

Emergency Management BC

EMBC is organized into six regions, plus a Headquarters located near Victoria. Each region has a Regional Office and Provincial Regional Emergency Operation Centre (PREOC) available for immediate activation in response to an emergency or disaster.

EmergencyInfoBC works to link British Columbians to the information they need, from evacuation alerts and orders to response and recovery resources to respond to and recover from disasters.

Follow EmergencyInfoBC for updates:

• Website: www.emergencyinfobc.ca• Twitter: @EmergencyInfoBC

When response requirements exceed the site support level, the Provincial Regional Emergency Operation Centre (PREOC) is activated to:

• Provide access to and coordination of provincial assets,specialists and information.

• Coordinate and host information coordination calls withall affected parties, agencies and subject matter experts

• Provide regional coordination, strategic planning, andmulti-agency facilitation.

• Assist with consistent information sharing.• Source regional resources to fulfill requests or authorize

required Expense Authorization Forms (EAF).

When local government or authorities request support from provincial resources (such as BCWS personnel and flood protection assets), related inquiries should be directed to EMBC as the first point of contact. EMBC will then coordinate with the supporting agency.

BC Wildfire Service

The province is divided into six regional fire centres. For regionally specific information, including information about specific fires and regional fire prohibitions, contact the information team at the local fire centre.

Cariboo Fire Centre (Williams Lake, BC)Fire Information Officers CARINFO@gov.bc.ca778 799-2100

Coastal Fire Centre (Parksville, BC)Fire Information Officers BCWS.COFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca 250 299-4209

Kamloops Fire Centre (Kamloops, BC)Fire Information Officers KFCINFO@gov.bc.ca250 554-5965

Northwest Fire Centre (Smithers, BC)Fire Information Officers BCWS.NWFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca 250 847-6639

Prince George Fire Centre (Prince George, BC)Fire Information Officers INFOPG@gov.bc.ca250 561-4629

Southeast Fire Centre (Castlegar, BC)Fire Information Officers BCWS.SEFCInformationOfficer@gov.bc.ca 250 365-4014

Page 10 Quick Reference: Emergency Management in British Columbia

Provincial Support3.4

Emergency Management BC

The Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre (PECC) is the lead for overall provincial government response and provides policy guidance and coordination support for the regional levels, manages the acquisition and deployment of provincial, federal and inter-provincial resources, and provides support to other provincial ministries.

Specific functions of the PECC include:

• Providing provincial executive coordination, strategic planning, and multi-agency facilitation

• Assisting with consistent information sharing • Sourcing provincial resources to fulfill requests or authorize

required Expense Authorization Forms (EAF)• (When needed) requesting Federal assistance and

resources• Assisting with public safety through evacuations,

emergency support services, host communities• Providing advanced planning capabilities

Local authority emergency program staff and elected officials must be prepared to declare a state of local emergency and issue evacuation orders in response to an emergency or disaster at a moment’s notice:

• EOC Operational Guidelines https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/eoc_operational_guidelines.pdf

• Declaring a State of Local Emergency in BC https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/policies/declaring_a_state_of_local_emergency_in_bc_jan_2019.pdf

• Evacuation Operational Guidelines https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/evacuation_operational_guidelines.pdf

BC Wildfire Service

The Provincial Wildfire Coordination Centre (PWCC) and Headquarters (located in Kamloops and Victoria, respectively) oversee and coordinate all province wide functions of the BCWS.

For information on province-wide issues, please contact the Provincial Wildfire Coordination Centre:

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)

ISC does not have “boots on the ground” response capacity, but primarily engages in partner coordination and communicating with FNs. ISC reimburses EMBC for 100% of all eligible expenditures disbursed by EMBC to First Nations in responding to an emergency event, and works with internal and external partners to pathfind options for costs that are ineligible under EMBC.

First Nations Emergency Services Society

FNESS helps to equip communities to respond to emergency events and supports response efforts through EMBC on a cost recovery basis.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)

FNHA will support FNs health needs during an event such as for (but not limited to) potable water quality testing, air quality, access to health care.

The BC Wildfire Service, in collaboration with EMBC, will provide recommendations to local authorities and First Nations for Evacuation Orders and Alerts.

Kevin SkrepnekChief Fire Information Officer250 312-3052Kevin.Skrepnek@gov.bc.ca

Provincial Information Officers250 312-3051FIREINFO@gov.bc.ca

Last Updated: June 2019 Page 11

4. Recovery

Recovery is where steps and processes are taken/ implemented to repair communities affected by an emergency event, restore conditions to an acceptable level, or improve them where possible (see last page), and to restore self-sufficiency and increase resilience. Recovery may consist of several stages (short, medium, and long-term) depending on the level of affectedness.

The primary platform for recovery of essential community infrastructure in British Columbia is the provincial Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program. DFA supports First Nations and Local Authorities alike. DFA reimburses up to 80% less a $1,000 deductible for eligible recovery costs. For First Nations, ISC reimburses eligible recovery costs to the province through the EMAP and tops up the 20% + $1000 for First Nations such that 100% of eligible recovery is supported. ISC may also support recovery on reserve through EMAP on a case-by-case basis when DFA is not eligible. Nations should work through EMBC to navigate this process and connect with ISC.

When a disaster has a significant impact on a community, the province may declare the disaster eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). Those impacted by such a disaster may apply to the province for DFA where the losses could not be insured or where other programs are not available. The Disaster Financial Assistance helps to replace or restore essential items and property that have been destroyed or damaged to pre-disaster condition.

Assistance is available to qualifying home owners, residential tenants, small business owners, farm owners, and charitable organizations. Financial assistance is provided for each accepted claim at 80 percent of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000, to a maximum claim of $300,000.

Assistance is also available to local governments for the replacement of essential materials and to rebuild or replace essential public infrastructures to the condition it was in before the disaster. Assistance is provided for each accepted recovery claim at 80 percent of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000.

Disaster Financial Assistance is not available for wildfire losses. DFA is limited to uninsurable losses.

• Disaster Financial Assistance is only available for provincial disasters after the provincial government has declared them eligible.

• The provincial government works closely with local governments to determine if and when an event should be eligible.• Damages from certain landslides may be eligible, if it can be shown that the landslide is the direct result of heavy rainfall or

other sudden catastrophic event, and not caused by pre-existing slope instability.• Forms and additional information

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-response-and-recovery/disaster-financial-assistance/forms-and-information

Page 12 Quick Reference: Emergency Management in British Columbia

Community Re-entry GuidelinesThis guide is designed to support Local Authorities and First Nations in making a decision regarding the timing of lifting an evacuation order and allowing residents to return to their homes. It provides guidance and planning considerations in making this decision and some items to consider shortly after re-entry. The word document provides a narrative to accompany the excel spreadsheet.

• Considerations for Community Re-entry (XLS, 8.KB) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/considerations_for_community_re-entry.xlsx

• Further Considerations for Community Re-entry (DOC, 4.1MB) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/further_considerations_for_community_re-entry.docx

• Returning Home After a Wildfire https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/further_considerations_for_community_re-entry.docx

• One Step at a Time: A Guide to Disaster Recovery (PDF, 507.9KB) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/preparedbc/one_step_at_a_time_guide_to_disaster_recovery.pdf

Financial Assistance: Emergency Response & Recovery: Guide for Local Authorities and First NationsThis guide provides local authorities and First Nations in British Columbia with information on the procedures required to maximize claims for financial assistance with the costs of both response and recovery.

• Financial Assistance for Emergency Response and Recovery Costs (PDF, 971KB) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/financial_assistance_guide.pdf

• Debris Removal Costs 2018 (PDF, 66KB) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/policies/debris_removal_costs_2018.pdf

• Host Community Response Costs 2018 (PDF, 68KB) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/emergency_management_bc_-_host_community_response_costs_memo.pdf

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)ISC reimburses EMBC all eligible expenditures that EMBC disbursed to First Nations for the implementation of their recovery plans. ISC also works with internal and external partners to pathfind options for costs that are ineligible under EMBC’s program(s).

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)FNHA plays a supporting role in community health and mental health recovery post-event, providing essential services and linking with EM partners

Flood & Wildfire Recovery ResourcesThe Province of B.C. is working closely with First Nations, local authorities and businesses to ensure programs are in place to support those impacted to recover. The following links will provide additional resources and templates:

• Flood & Wildfire Recovery Programs https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/emergency-response-and-recovery/recovery-programs

• Local Authorities and First Nations Recovery Toolkit (PDF, 1.2MB) https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-government/local_authorities_and_first_nations_recovery_toolkit_-_may_29.pdf

• EOC Forms and Templates https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/local-emergency-programs/eoc-forms