Fire and Emergency Services:
Managing Adverse Events
in Newfoundland and Labrador
What is FES-NL?
Fire and Emergency ServicesNewfoundland and Labrador is
mandated to develop and
maintain a modern and robust
fire and emergency management
system in the province, in
collaboration with agency
partners and stakeholders, in
planning against, preparing for,
responding to and recovering
from emergencies, disasters, and
fires.
What does the Agency do?
Awareness, Education,
Training, and Certification
Fire Services, Emergency
Management, and Support
Services
• Planning, Response, Recovery,
and Support Services.
Regulation, Enforcement, and
Reporting
Governing Legislation
Emergency Services Act
• Proclaimed May 2009
• Emergency management plans by May 2012
Fire Prevention Act
• Fire Protection Services Act (updated legislation) to be
proclaimed in the coming months
Municipalities Act
• Section 183– a fire department is a creature of the
municipality
• The Provincial Government has a responsibility to
advise the council on the adequacy of fire protection
services
The Canadian Model
Federal Government
Provincial Government
Municipality
The Individual
FES Training School
Since 2009, eight regional Fire and Emergency
Training Schools have been held;
2010/11– Approximately 2,000 individuals registered
for more than 40 courses offered in fire services and
emergency management, providing training in best
practices and the latest techniques;
2012– Spring training school will take place in late
May on the Burin Peninsula.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
There are areas for improvement across
the system
Emergency services must be financially supported
and sustainable
“What do I need- who’s got it? What do I
have- who needs it?”
Regionalization is not for everyone
In some areas, regionalization makes good sense and
could stand to improve the delivery of emergency
services
Everyone’s Responsibility
Emergency Preparedness should be a concern
for each individual and all levels of
government;
Businesses as well need to be proactive with
the use of Business Continuity Plans;
People on the ground = The first level of
response.
Municipal Emergency
Planning Initiative
UPDATE
Governing Legislation
Emergency Services Act
3 years to complete plans (May 2009 - 2012)
Resources Available
Guides mailed to all communities
• 12 Step Guide to Emergency Management Planning
• Available on the FES-NL website
Workshop created
• Emergency Planning Workshop- 1 day
Expanded EM schedule
• Offered in all regions of the province.
Recent Events…
Stephenville Area Flooding– September, 2005
Northeast Coast Flood– April, 2006
Daniel’s Harbour Landslides– April, 2007
Tropical Storm Chantal – August, 2007
Holyrood Fiberglass Plant Fire– October, 2007
Gambo Flooding– July and August, 2008
Trout River Landslides– June 2009
Hurricane Igor – September 2010
Hazard, Risk, and
Vulnerability Analysis
Hazard
A threat to humans
– life, well-being,
material goods and
property and the
environment.
Natural,
technological or
human-caused.
Risk
Probability or
chance that an
emergency will
occur; based on
information and
scientific
knowledge.
Vulnerability
Susceptibility of
people, buildings,
etc. to injury or
damage from
hazards.
Overall Planning Status
Status
Percentage
(population)
Percentage
(communities)
75%
25%
7%
13%
Initiated
14%
40%
No Action
5%
22%
Plans Approved
Near Completion
Beyond 2012…
Plan development
An Emergency Management Plan is a
‘living document.’
Not quick, but not difficult;
Updating is ESSENTIAL;
Exercising plans
The next step…
Municipal
Fire Department
Assessments
UPDATE
Levels of Service
Exterior fire suppression
• Defensive level
Interior fire suppression
• Offensive level
Assessments
Assessment Item
Basis of Judgment
• Criteria NL based referenced to NFPA 1720
Grading
•
•
•
•
A - Acceptable
N/I – Needs Improvement
U – Unacceptable
N/A – Not Applicable
Why Assessments?
Legislative responsibility
Auditor General’s Report 2004
• “The Fire Commissioner's Office needs to do
more in inspecting and evaluating the
firefighting capabilities of the 297 fire
departments throughout the Province and in
providing training to the approximately 6,100
firefighters.”
Education and Assessment
Assessment is two part process;
• Evaluation of the operational readiness of the
fire department to respond to fire and other
emergencies authorized by the municipality.
• Transfer of information to assist the fire
department and the municipality in improving
the level of service provided to the community.
Factors for Consideration
Level of service
Training
Personnel
Available firefighters at any given time
Fire department administration and budgeting
Equipment and maintenance
PPE, vehicles, and tools
Dispelling the Myths
A building with a sign does not equal
effective fire protection.
What are the expectations of residents
about fire protection?
• Is that the reality?
How do you effectively achieve the
service expected by residents/council?
Assessment Goals
To provide a base-line for informed
decision making by councils.
To identify strengths and areas for
improvement .
To assist communities plot a course
forward.
Aiming for 2013
In Any
Emergency…
Consideration of Hazards
Demographics/populations
Economic characteristics
Transportation routes
Meteorology/history
Geographical/natural patterns
Anticipating the hazards…
…Enacting the plan.
Effectively manage the Emergency!