YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Enjoy B.C. to the fullest this spring by being informed and prepared

Many people throughout our province have already been under evacuation orders or alerts due to flooding and wildfires. This is a time for people to be prepared for anything the climate crisis throws our way.

People are urged to stay away from fast-flowing river edges and shorelines because unpredictable currents can be deadly, and riverbanks can be unstable and prone to collapse.

We also urge people to create a home emergency plan, so you and your loved ones know what to do during an emergency. A grab-and-go bag that includes essentials such as a first-aid kit, food, water, and important documents is also recommended. Connect with neighbours, stay tuned to your First Nation or local government for updates and advisories, and visit EmergencyInfoBC.ca for response and recovery information.

People should also be on guard for hot weather. The province provides guidance and funds for First Nations and local authorities to open cooling centres. Prepare a heat plan, including identifying cool zones both inside your home and elsewhere. Become familiar with methods of cooling down, such as taking cool baths or showers and drinking plenty of water. It’s also extremely important to check on vulnerable family members and neighbours who might be susceptible to heat-related illness.

We know that government also has an important role to play in preparing for and protecting people and communities from emergencies. The Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness is continually working to improve overall emergency preparedness, mitigate disasters, respond effectively to events, and to ensure supports are available for people in need.

The province is working closely with communities currently affected by floods and wildfires. Provincial resources including sandbags, sandbag machines and temporary retaining walls have been deployed to communities at risk of flooding. Local governments and First Nations have up-to-date information about where people can pick up sandbags.

While our government’s response to emergencies and recovery supports are important, preparing for and reducing the risks of disasters is also critical.

Since 2017, we’ve funded almost 1,400 projects that help communities mitigate and prepare for disasters and climate-related emergencies through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. Earlier this year we announced a further $180-million investment toward the CEPF, which will benefit even more communities.

We have been investing in detailed flood hazard maps for areas currently lacking such a resource and are developing a new comprehensive provincial flood strategy. Last month, we announced that B.C. communities will have access to high-quality elevation data to support planning for floods, landslides, fires, and other natural disasters caused by climate change.

These tools are available at ClimateReadyBC, which is a one-stop hub we announced earlier this year to help communities and people mitigate and prepare for disaster and climate risks.

We know people are counting on us, and that’s why we’re putting a greater emphasis on mitigation and preparedness so that all regions of our beautiful province are better ready to face hazards when they occur.

Spring and summer are meant to be enjoyed, but please make sure yours is memorable for all the right reasons. Stay safe and stay informed.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.

by Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Enjoy B.C. to the fullest this spring by being informed and prepared

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