The Peace River Regional District has released a new plan to help farms prepare for emergencies in the Peace region.
The plan includes evacuation procedures and resources for agricultural operations.
“The plan covers emergency preparedness, response and recovery and is a guide for the agricultural sector across the region,” described the Peace River regional district in their announcement.
The document explains how emergency responses are coordinated in urgent situations, including wildfires, droughts, extreme weather, and disease outbreaks.
“It outlines emergency management in British Columbia and identifies key roles, responsibilities and contacts. The plan provides recommendations for action before, during and after emergencies, along with guidance for specific hazards,” the announcement reads.
Emergency responses will be managed by the district’s emergency operations centre, which will refer to the plan along with other guiding documents, including the province’s Emergency and Disaster Management Act.
The agricultural emergency plan follows a cyclical approach.
“Each phase serves an important role for effective emergency management in the agricultural sector,” according to the plan. Preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery will all be prioritized depending on an area’s stage in the cycle.
Before emergencies, mitigation and preparedness are priorities. The former wants to limit the risk impact of disasters, and the latter covers developing and preparing to exercise emergency plans.
Responding to emergencies “involves measures to limit loss of life, minimize suffering and reduce personal injury and property damage. It also includes the initiation of plans and actions to support recovery,” the PRRD’s document explains.
Depending on the severity of the situation, the district can activate its crews and coordinate with provincial experts.
“Best practices suggest that the recovery phase of an emergency should be initiated as soon as practical once an emergency occurs,” according to the guide.
The objective of this phase is to coordinate restoration of impacted areas and communities after evacuation orders are rescinded, losses are assessed, and reimbursements are sorted.
