FACILITIY
LOGO HERE IF
DESIRED
EMERGENCY and
DISASTER
RESPONSE PLAN
RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY NAME
FACILITY ADDRESS
TELEPHONE NUMBER
DATE
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword
Record of Amendments
1. OVERVIEW
1.1
Overview and Summary of Emergency and Disaster Response Management Plan
1.1.a
Statement and Role
1.1.b Community Care Facility Licensing Requirements
1.1.c Aim
1.1.d Definitions
1.1.e Emergency Planning Cornerstones
1.2
International Codes for Disaster Identification
1.3
Hazard Risk Analysis
1.4
Activating the Emergency and Disaster Response Management Plan
1.4a
Emergency Call Response Form
1.4.b Facility Action and Communication Log
1.5
Disaster Responses Applicable to Licensed Residential Care Facilities
1.5.a Code Blue – Cardiac Arrest
1.5.b Code Red - Fire
1.5.c Code White – Violence/Aggression
1.5.d Code Yellow – Missing Persons In Care
1.5.e Code Black – Bomb Threat
1.5.f
Code Grey – Air Exclusion
1.5.g Code Green - Evacuation
1.5.h Code Brown – Hazardous Spills
1.5.i
Code Orange - Disaster
1.5.j
Pandemic Influenza
1.5.k Infectious Disease Epidemics
1.5.l
Boil Water Notification
1.5.m Utilities Outages
1.6
Call back of staff to duty
1.6.a Registration Form for Staff Called to Duty
1.7
Disaster Supply Lists
1.8
Communication
1.8.a Radio
1.8.b Media
1.9
Facility Business Continuity Plan
2. REFERENCE MATERIALS
Appendix A
Next of Kin Emergency Preparedness Information
Appendix B
Damage Assessment of the Building
Appendix C
Be Prepared Be Well
Appendix D
Sneezes and Diseases
Appendix E
Individual & Neighbourhood All Hazard Emergency Preparedness Workbook
Appendix F
52 Weeks to Preparedness
Appendix G
Grab & Go Bags
Appendix H
VIHA Licensing Contacts
Appendix I
Reportable Incidents and VIHA INFOsheet
Appendix J
Local Authorities Contact Information
Appendix K
Incident Command System (ICS)
Appendix L
British Columbia Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS)
Appendix M
Provincial Emergency Program (PEP)
Appendix N
Municipal Emergency Social Services (ESS)
Appendix O
Common Emergency Planning Acronyms
2
3
4
5
5
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5
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6
6
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8
9
9
10
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FOREWORD
The following document was created by the Health Emergency and Disaster
Response Management and Business Continuity Planning (EDRMBCP)Department
of the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA). It is one in a series of All-Hazard
Response Manuals designed to enable the VIHA to respond efficiently and
effectively to any emergency situation.
The purpose of this document is as a resource and guideline to assist the Licensee
to meet the requirements of the Residential Care Licensing Regulations to have
completed emergency preparations and to have plans in place. All forms are
samples and should be modified by the facility to reflect the uniqueness of their
facility.
The document reflects the British Columbia Emergency Response Management
System including the Incident Command System. The inclusion of these two
elements in planning for VIHA ensures that we meet our legislated requirements and
that we are using the same response system as all other first responders, agencies,
municipalities and the provincial government.
It also reflects the British Columbia Ministry of Health Services Health Emergency
Management Plan, which, in turn, is based upon the National Framework for Health
Emergency Management
We would also like to acknowledge and thank Vancouver Coastal Health: Public
Health, Communicable Disease and Emergency Management Departments for
permission to use their document “Sneezes and Diseases” as a reference with this
plan.
©
VIHA Emergency Management and Business Continuity Department
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Record of Amendments
Amendment
Number
Subject
Page
4
Date
Amended
Inserted
By
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.
DATE: MONTH YEAR
OVERVIEW SUMMARY OF THE EMERGENCY AND DISASTER RESPONSE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
1.1.a
Statement and Role
This Emergency and Disaster Response Management Plan contains information,
procedures, and protocols designed to ensure that the ____________________ Residential
Care Facility is able to respond to an emergency or disaster in an effective, co-ordinated,
and integrated manner.
1.1.b Community Care Facility Licensing Requirements
Licensed Residential Care facilities must comply with the Community Care and Assisted
Living Act and the Residential Care Licensing Regulation. Section 51 of this legislation
requires the licensee to have an emergency plan, a fire drill system, and staff training on the
emergency plan and fire drill system. There are also requirements in Section 52 to report
specific types of incidents to the Medical Health Officer/Licensing Program including
allegations of abuse/neglect, disease outbreak or occurrence, missing or wandering person,
and service delivery problems such as bomb threats and power outages.
1.1.c Aim
This Emergency and Disaster Response Management Plan is developed, and will be
maintained by the Licensee/Manager or delegate of Residential Care Facilities licensed by
VIHA. It allows the Licensee/Manager or delegate to have a plan that can be activated if
circumstances dictate that this level of control and communication is necessary. The aim of
the Emergency and Disaster Response Management Plan is to:

Ensure the earliest possible response to an emergency and the establishment of overall
control of emergency response, the continuity of the operation and the initiation of a
recovery process;

Ensure immediate action is taken to eliminate or abate all sources of potential danger in
the area of the incident;

Conduct immediate inspections of the buildings damaged by earthquake or aftershocks
in order to determine occupancy safety as in APPENDIX B– Damage Assessment of the
Building;

Evacuate any building or area considered to be in a hazardous situation;

Communication to families of Persons In Care as to their wellbeing and/or evacuation to
an alternate care site.

Facilitate prompt, efficient recovery from the emergency or disaster;
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
1.1.d Definitions
Emergency

A sudden, unforeseen occurrence requiring immediate action. An emergency is a
single incident event that affects specific areas and operational efficiencies of the
building or its environment.
Disaster



1.1.e
The International Code for declaring a disaster is “CODE ORANGE”.
An event which has the potential to impact the entire operations, e.g. evacuation,
earthquake, hazardous spill or environmental event.
Such a situation may create:

a need to operate the facility under relatively unfamiliar circumstances.

a need to re-locate the operation to an alternative area for safety.
Emergency Planning Cornerstones
The Emergency/Emergency and Disaster Response Management Plans are part of an
overall strategy for emergency management based on four cornerstones of:
1. Prevention,
2. Preparedness,
3. Response and
4. Recovery.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Plans are also intended to:




Provide for regular exercising and updating of the Emergency and Disaster
Response Management Plan,
Document the specific emergency management programs in the facility,
Document the roles and responsibilities of other responders to an emergency,
Document the resources available to support response to an emergency in the
facility
REMEMBER, IT IS EASIER TO GEAR DOWN THAN GEAR UP DURING AN
EMERGENCY
1.2
INTERNATIONAL CODES FOR DISASTER IDENTIFICATION
CODE
CODE BLUE
CODE RED
CODE WHITE
CODE YELLOW
CODE YELLOW STAT
CODE BLACK
CODE GREY
CODE GREEN
CODE BROWN
CODE ORANGE
EVENT
CARDIAC ARREST
FIRE
VIOLENCE/AGGRESSION
MISSING PATIENT/CLIENT/PERSONS IN CARE
INFANT ABDUCTION
BOMB THREAT
AIR EXCLUSION/SHUTDOWN
EVACUATION
HAZARDOUS SPILLS
DISASTER/MASS CASUALTIES
Caution, in Case of Emergency:





Use your common sense.
Never put yourself at risk.
Report to your Supervisor or the Licensee/Manager or delegate
Follow their instructions
Assist others only when it is safe to do so.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.3
DATE: MONTH YEAR
HAZARD RISK ANALYSIS
In general Hazard Risk Analysis looks at the potential for different types of disasters by reviewing the
past experience of an area of the province, the type, frequency affected area and consequences.
This then allows for steps to be taken to mitigate the effects.
Types of Disasters identified for Vancouver Island:













Natural disasters, e.g. earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, Tsunamis and
snowstorms
Mass food poisoning
Pandemic emergencies
Accidents involving crashes of trains, planes, ships and boats or automobiles
resulting in mass casualties or hazardous materials
Civil disturbances
Fires, bomb threats, and arson attempts
Extensive or prolonged utility failure
Collapsed buildings
Acts of Terrorism - Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear & Explosive (CBRNE)
Patient Decontamination (CBRNE)
Hazardous Materials Spill
A disruption or disturbance, affecting the water supply quality within the Community
or a VIHA facility or Licensed Facility
An environmental event or Public Health Emergency declared by the Office of the
Chief Medical Health Officer
In section 1.9 of this plan a Hazardous Risk Analysis is documented with respect to this
facility.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.4
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Activating the Emergency and Disaster Response Management Plan
AUTHORITY TO INITIATE PLAN
The authority to implement this plan in whole or in part is vested in the Residential Care Facility
Licensee/Manager or delegate
INITIATION OF PLAN
Licensee/Manager or delegate and/or a Designated Staff Member may initiate the Facility Plan.
ACTIVATION OF PLAN
Any disaster call received by the staff during normal business hours will be forwarded to the Facility
Licensee/Manager or delegate who will obtain particulars of disaster as follows. With the form
provided:
1.4.a
EMERGENCY CALL RESPONSE FORM
Obtain the following particulars:
1.
Name of person calling and telephone number calling from:
2.
Location of Incident:
3.
Type of Incident:
4.
Impact expected for ________(insert name of the facility)______________:
5.
Time of Call : ___________________________
CALL BACK IMMEDIATELY TO VERIFY the disaster. If the number is busy:
THEN
Consult with the Facility Licensee/Manager or delegate to get authorization
If unable to contact the Licensee/Manager or delegate
INITIATE THE PLAN
THEN
Try again to VERIFY THE CALL.
NOTE:
The decision to stand down from a “CODE ORANGE” will be made by the Residential Care
Facility Licensee/Manager or delegate.on the advice from the local authority.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
1.4.b Facility Action and Communication Log
Licensee/Manager or delegate: _____________________________
Time
Action or Communication
Date: __________________
Result
Comments
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5
DATE: MONTH YEAR
DISASTER RESPONSES
1.5.a CODE BLUE: CARDIAC ARREST
Within a Residential Care facility a Code Blue would be responded to as if it happened in any
public place:
 911 would be called

Trained staff would attend to the victim until the ambulance arrives
It is expected that any Persons In Care with a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order would be
identified in some discrete manner and staff would be aware.
Licensing has established a Standard of Practice as follows:
Number: 01/08/2006 Effective Date: September 2006
This Standard of Practice is made under the authority of section 4 of the Community Care and
Assisted Living Act (CCALA), which provides that the Director of Licensing may:
(e) specify policies and standards of practice for all community care
facilities or a class of community care facilities
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES AND CARE PLANS
"Advance directive" means a written instruction that refuses consent to particular kinds of health
care in the event that the adult is not capable of giving the instruction at the time the health care is
required.
“Care plan” means an individualized plan for the provision of services and support to a person in
care that takes into consideration the person’s abilities and physical, social and emotional needs as
well as their cultural and spiritual preferences.
As appropriate care planning, including advance care planning, is an issue of significance to the
health, safety and dignity of persons in residential care, I am specifying the following Standard of
Practice for residential care facilities licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act.
(CCALA).
1. A licensee must develop and complete an individualized care plan for each resident within six
weeks of his or her admission to a community care facility.
2. As part of the development of a comprehensive care plan, issues related to end of life planning
and advance directives may be discussed with a resident and his or her family or support
persons, and documented.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
3. A resident (or someone with the legal authority to make health care decisions on the resident’s
behalf) must not be required, either as a condition of admission (or as on ongoing requirement to
reside in a community care facility) to sign advance directives or levels of intervention
documents.
4. To require a resident to sign such documents is in contravention of section 7(1)(b) of the
Community Care and Assisted Living Act which requires a licensee to operate a community care
facility in a manner that will promote the health, safety and dignity of persons in care (emphasis
added).
Sue Bedford
Director of Licensing
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5.b CODE RED:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FIRE
ALL STAFF
IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE: R.A.C.E.
Rescue anyone in immediate danger if it is safe to do so.
Alarm.
Activate the nearest fire alarm or call 911
Confine the fire by closing doors and windows.
Extinguish the fire only if it is safe to do so. Otherwise, it should be left and contained behind
closed doors.
One person to be assigned by the Licensee/Manager or delegate to meet the Fire Department.
If the fire cannot be extinguished – evacuation is to take place - laterally at first to behind a fire door.
1.
Close all doors and windows.
2.
Gather Persons In Care, Persons In Care records, and Sign in sheets for staff & volunteers
3.
Leave the building and meet at the muster station at _________________________
4.
Fire Department will take charge on arrival.
5.
All rooms checked, and all personnel evacuated past the double smoke/fire doors. Doors must be
closed and a pillow set outside the door to show rooms have been checked. .
6.
Fire Department requests that all personnel exit to the outside of the building.
7.
The Licensee/Manager or delegate performs a head count and that information is passed on to the Fire
Department.
The RACE response to fire and the evacuation of the facility are practiced with staff and Persons In Care
monthly. These practices are to documented using the Fire Practices Log and the Fire Drill Report found on the
following pages.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Fire Practice Log and Drill Report
Date:
Time:
_____________
_____________
Number of Persons In Care: ______________
Number of Staff on duty: _________________
Number of Volunteers on duty: ____________
Number of Visitors present: _______________
Location of the fire: _______________________
Name of the Licensee/Manager or delegate:
___________________________
==================================================================================

Live Fire Drill 
False Alarm

Real event:

Staff response time: __________________
Pull Station activated: Yes 
No 
Yes 
No 
Simulated 911 call:
Persons In Care were protected?
Was the fire alarm sounded
Not applicable: 
Yes 
Yes 
No 
No 
Not applicable: 
Were the correct actions taken to deal with the simulated fire?
Automatic doors closed?
Yes 
No 
Were windows and doors closed?
Yes 
Staff de-briefing held? Yes 
No 
Yes 
Not applicable 
No 
Any recommendations as a result of the drill?
Names of staff participating?
Form completed by: ___________________________________
14
No 
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
1.5.c CODE WHITE: VIOLENCE/AGGRESSION
If a staff member feels threatened they need to immediately summon assistance from another staff member.
If threat persists the 911 is called.
SAMPLES OF FACILITY POLICIES/PROCEDURES:
"Aggressive or unusual behaviour" between persons in care means aggressive or
unusual behaviour by a person in care towards other persons, including another person in
care, which has not been appropriately assessed in the care plan of the person in care;
Where a Persons In Care is the subject of unusual/aggressive behaviour from another
Persons In Care: the licensee must immediately notify the parent or representative, or
contact person, of the person in care,
Biting, scratching and hitting are unacceptable behaviours.
Staff at the facility should establish an care plan specific to the Persons In Care and his/her
behaviour so the staff approach is consistent and appropriate. If behaviour persists a
meeting should be planned with Facility Management and staff, the Person in Care if
appropriate, Persons In Care’s family and the Persons In Care’s physician to identify a plan
of action which may include specialiized assessments. Care
Where there is an allegation of emotional, physical or sexual abuse by a staff member or
someone who is not a person in care:
Aggressive behaviour is unacceptable. This includes verbal, emotional, physical or sexual
abuse of a Persons In Care. Any instance of an allegation against a staff member must be
reported to Community Care Facilities Licensing immediately. The Licensee or delegate
often needs to complete a labour relations process related to allegations or complaints
against one of their employees. Ideally, Licensing and the Licensee or delegate will be able
to coordinate their investigation.
In any instance of an allegation against an individual who is not staff, the facility has a role
and responsibility to assist the appropriate authorities in the investigation and resolution of
the incident.
In any of these instances a report will be made to Licensing within 24 hours. Contact information is
found in Appendix I.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5.d CODE YELLOW:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
MISSING PERSONS IN CARE
When a Persons In Care is identified as missing the Facility Licensee/Manager or delegate will be
notified. Any information regarding the circumstances and/or person(s) involved will be passed on to the
Licensee/Manager or delegate immediately. The Licensee/Manager or delegate will immediately call 911
and report the incident to Licensing. Contact information is found in Appendix H. If there is no reason to
believe that an abduction has occurred the Licensee/Manager or delegate will order the staff to initiate
the Code Yellow procedure as follows:
If there is more than one staff member on duty:
1. A sufficient number of staff will remain with the Persons In Care to ensure their safety. Other staff
are designated to search inside the facility and the grounds. The search will be thorough
including all cupboards, closets, washrooms, storage areas inside and storage, play apparatus,
shrubbery and trees in the exterior. In smaller facilities, one person will be designated to search
the inside first and the exterior second.
2. Results of the search are reported to the Licensee/Manager or delegate and if the Persons In
Care is found then the incident is at that time reported to VIHA Licensing. Contact information is
found in Appendix I.
3. If the Persons In Care is not located on the initial search, the Licensee/Manager or delegate then
calls the RCMP to report the Persons In Care as missing. . A photograph and description of the
Persons In Care’s clothing are to be provided to attending RCMP.
4. The Persons In Care’s next of kin are notified and updated on actions being taken.
5. The Facility staff will widen their search to the neighbourhood while awaiting the attendance of
the RCMP. Staff searching should have a recent photograph of the Persons In Care with them.
In a small facility where there is only one staff member at the facility, that staff member will take the
other Persons In Care with them while the search interior and exterior and then will continue with
steps 2 through 6.
In any of these instances a report will be made to Licensing within 24 hours. Contact information is
found in Appendix I.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5.e CODE BLACK:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
BOMB THREAT
Bomb threats must be taken seriously and considered real until proven otherwise.
The procedure to follow is:
1. Listen – be calm, don’t interrupt, get as much information as possible
2. Document – using the Bomb Threat Form. The Form is on the following page. A copy of the form
should be at each phone in the facility if no reception area is identified.
3. Summon help, if available, using by hand signals and show the person responding these
instructions:
a. Call 911 and ask for RCMP/Police and Fire
b. Explain the situation
c. Relay advice given by RCMP/Police/Fire regarding evacuation
4. Staff should prepare for evacuation
RCMP/Police/Fire authority.
and implement evacuation on the instructions of
5. A search for unusual or suspicious objects should be undertaken. If such an object/container is
found:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Leave it untouched
Make the Licensee/Manager or delegate and RCMP/Police aware of the exact location
Do not assume that it is the only one
Remove staff and Persons In Care from the area immediately
6. Report the incident to VIHA Licensing. Contact information is found in Appendix I.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
BOMB THREAT DOCUMENTATION FORM
Date:_________________
Time: ___________
Caller:
 Male
 Female
Origin:
 Local
 Long Distance
Bomb facts:
When will it go off? _____________________
Where is it located? ____________________
What type of bomb is it? _________________
What does it look like? __________________
How powerful is it? _____________________
Is there more than one? _________________
Voice characteristics:
 Adult
 Juvenile
 Loud
 Soft
 High pitched
 Raspy
 Pleasant
 Intoxicated
 Deep
Other: ______________________________________
 Fast
 Slow
 Distinct
 Nasal
 Distorted
 Lisp
Language:
 Excellent
 Good
 Poor
Accent:
 Local
 Foreign
Origin: _______________
Manner:
 Calm
 Angry
 Coherent
 Emotional
Other: ________________________________
Speech:
Background Noises:
NOTIFICATIONS:
 Slurred
 Fair
 Stutter
 Foul
 Irrational
 Deliberate
 Quiet
 Machines
 Airplanes
 Trains
 Factory
 Street traffic
 Animals
Other: ________________________
 RCMP
 Fire
Signature: ________________________________
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 Music
 VIHA Licensing
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5.f CODE GREY:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
AIR EXCLUSION
In the unlikely event of noxious or toxic air in the vicinity of the Facility that has placed it in harm’s way. You
will receive a notification to ”Shelter-in-Place” You may receive the instruction to shelter via telephone call,
media announcement or loud hailer. When instructed to shelter-in-place take the following steps:
1. Immediately gather everyone indoors and remain there.
2. Close and lock all windows and outside doors
3. Tape gaps around door frames
4. Extinguish indoor wood burning fireplaces and close flue dampers.
5. Turn off appliances or equipment that either:
5.1. Blow out air such as:
5.1.1. Bathroom and kitchen fans
5.1.2. Built in vacuum systems
5.2. Sucks in outside air, such as:
5.2.1. Gas stoves
5.2.2. Fireplaces
5.2.3. Clothes dryers
5.2.4. Air conditioners
6. Turn down thermostats by about 5C to minimize the on-time of furnaces
7. Leave all inside doors open
8. Avoid using the telephone except for emergencies so you can be contacted by authorities regarding the
status of the event.
9. Stay tuned to local radio and television for possible information updates
10. Even if you see people outside do not leave your premises and until informed by authorities.
11. After the air pollution and passed or been nullified you will receive an “All Clear” message. You may also
receive instructions to:
11.1.
11.2.
Ventilate you facility by opening all doors and windows, turning on fans and turning up
Thermostats.
Once the facility is completely ventilated, return all equipment to normal.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5.g CODE GREEN:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
EVACUATION
Preparation for Evacuation;





Shut off water, gas and electricity
Know the location of the alternate site for your facility
Make arrangements for pets if applicable
Follow the instructions of authorities
Do not use the telephone except for life threatening emergencies
When Instructions are given to evacuate by local authorities the Licensee/Manager or delegate will:
1. Determine a safe exit.
2. Assign a person to act as exit monitor.
3. Remove those in danger to behind a fire door if possible.
4. If no fire doors exist remove to the exterior of the building and go to the pre-determined muster area.
5. Once all Persons In Care and staff are out, if and only if it is safe to do so, the exit monitor will do a
search of the premises to ensure that everyone is out of the building and will lock the building taking with
them the Records and Emergency Kit as they leave. See Section 1.7 of this plan for the list of contents
in the Emergency Kit
6. Complete the Persons In Care and Staff Post Evacuation Status Report Form
7. Report anyone who is missing to the Licensee/Manager or delegate who will tell the First Responder
Authority in charge of the incident at the Command Centre. The Command Centre is identified by a
green light on a vehicle.
8. Arrange to proceed to your alternate setting.
First Alternate Site:
Second Alternate Site:
9. Notify Next of kin of your new location.
10. Notify VIHA Licensing.
PERSONS IN CARE AND STAFF POST EVECUATION STATUS REPORT FORM
Date: ________
Time: _____________
Reason for Evacuation: ___________________
Number of Persons In Care: _____________
Number of Persons In Care present at the muster station: _______________
Number of /Staff working: ____________
Number of Staff present at the muster station:_______________
Other persons present: (Guests, Next of kin, Visitors): ______________
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5.h CODE BROWN:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
HAZARDOUS SPILLS
A Licensee must ensure that Persons In Care do not have access to any object or substance that may be
hazardous to the health or safety of persons in care. Where cleaning products are used that are labelled as
hazardous there must be an appropriate spill kit on the premises and appropriate staff must be trained in the
use of the kit. Internal policies regarding the managing of hazardous spills should be inserted behind this
section of the Plan.
In the event of an external hazardous spill there would be two possible instructions given to a Facility
Licensee/Manager or delegate:
1. Evacuate the premises in which case refer to Section 1.5.e Code Green: Evacuation and follow those
instructions; or
2. Shelter-In-Place in which case refer to Section 1.5.f Code Grey: Air Exclusion and follow those
instructions.
In the event of spillage of blood or body fluids there are guidelines in place and all staff are provided with
education on these guidelines.
Body fluids include:
 Urine;
 feces including diarrhea;
 saliva;
 blood;
 discharge from the nose;
 vomit.
There is at least one Spill Kit on site which includes:
 Garbage bags
 Masking tape
 Disposable non-latex gloves
 Paper towels
 Detergent
 Bleach or disinfectant
 Bucket
 Mops
 Cloths
 Brushes
 Plastic goggles
The rule is to clean up the spill first and then sanitize. Wear disposable gloves always. Wear other personal
protective equipment is there is a danger of splashing.
GUIDELINES FOR HARD SURFACES:







Soak up and remove most of the spill using paper towels.
Place the soaked paper towels directly into a plastic garbage bag.
With mop or cleaning cloth, clean the soiled area with detergent and water to remove any
visible dirt or body fluids.
After cleaning, sanitize the area using a low level disinfectant – a mixture of one cup (250 ml)
of household bleach (5% - 6% chlorine) in ten cups (2.5 liters) of water ( 1 part bleach to 10
parts water will do. In order to sanitize a surface, let the bleach solution stand for one
minutes before drying.
If you use a commercial disinfectant, follow the instructions on the label.
Close the garbage bag, using masking tape to prevent it being opened and deposit in the
regular garbage.
Remove gloves and other protective equipment, deposit in regular garbage and wash your
hands.
21
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
GUIDELINES FOR CARPET & UPHOLSTERY:








Blot up the spill with paper towels
Place soiled paper towels directly into the plastic garbage bag.
Apply a household detergent or disinfectant to cover the spot. Let this sit for thirty (30) minutes
Blot up the excess liquid with paper towels and dispose of them in the garbage bag as well
Reapply detergent/disinfectant. Let dry overnight
Close the bag using masking tape to prevent it being opened and place in the regular garbage.
Remove gloves and other protective equipment, deposit in regular garbage and wash your hands.
Steam clean carpet and upholstery, if necessary. Replace heavily soiled carpets and upholstery,
that cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized.
GUIDELINES TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE CLEANING EQUIPMENT





Wear disposable gloves or household rubber gloves that can be cleaned and sanitized.
Wash mops, cloths, and brushes in hot soapy water and rinse. Ensure that all visible dirt is removed.
Soak mops, cloths and brushes in a low level disinfectant solution for twenty (20) minutes. Sanitize
the mop handle by cleaning and then wiping with a low level disinfectant
Clean and sanitize reusable personal protective equipment such as household rubber gloves or
plastic goggles.
Clean and sanitize surface areas and sinks where you have cleaned equipment.
PROTOCOL FOR A SPLASH OF BLOOD OR BODY FLUID
“Splash” is defined as one where blood or body fluid comes in contact with lips, eyes mouth or open
sore/ abrasion.
Follow the protocol below:



Don’t panic the risk of serious infection in a Residential facility is low.
Rinse well with tap water for 10 – 15 minutes
If a Person In Care is splashed:
o Contact the next of kin.
o Take the person in care to the nearest hospital/medical clinic
o Report the Incident to Licensing

If a staff member is splashed:
o Report to your Supervisor immediately. If you cannot do this leave a message for the
Supervisor.
o Go immediately to the nearest hospital Emergency Department/medical clinic.
o For follow-up counselling see your doctor
o Complete WorkSafe BC reports
o The Licensee/Manager or delegate ensures that the incident is reported to Licensing.
LICENSING CONTACT INFORMATION IS FOUND IN APPENDIX I.
22
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5.i
CODE ORANGE:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
DISASTER
All staff must be fully aware of evacuation, emergency and disaster procedures and their individual
responsibility within the process. Earthquake is likely to be the most all encompassing, impacting the Island
as a whole. However other events, such as Interface Wildfire (Forest Fire), loss of utilities and flooding can
have disastrous consequences in large areas of the Island as well.
All Licensee/Manager or delegate are responsible in ensuring their staff are thus trained.
Since people are unlikely to be forewarned, the actual shock or tremor may provide the only warning. All
staff must be trained and knowledgeable to the degree that will enable them to respond immediately and
efficiently to the emergency.
A large earthquake in our geographical area is seen as the most destructive event (excepting a catastrophic
nuclear accident or war).
Most wood-frame Residential buildings are highly resistant to earthquakes. During an earthquake the
primary dangers are from falling objects and debris, such as collapsing chimneys, masonry facing, shattered
glass, light fixtures, plaster ceilings and heavy furniture. A few simple steps can greatly reduce the risk of
personal injury during an earthquake.
The first indication of an earthquake




A low or loud rumbling noise.
A sudden violent jolt.
A shaking or moving of objects.
Any combination of the above.
What to do immediately




Protect yourself.
DROP – COVER – HOLD
Move away from large windows and objects which may fall. Drop to the floor and
cover the back of your neck with your hands. If you are able, get under a heavy
table or desk.
If inside, stay there!…If outside, stay there!…Take cover…Protect head and
face…Don’t run downstairs…Kneel down with your back to the wall.
ACTIONS DURING AND IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AN EARTHQUAKE:
During the shaking

Do not attempt to assist others until the shaking stops, protect yourself! Provide verbal
direction to Persons In Care/clients, staff and visitors.

If you are inside, stay inside. Do not attempt to exit.
 Move away from windows and mirrors that may shatter and objects that may fall.
 Crawl under a strong table, counter, or desk if possible. Do not stand in a
doorway.
 Drop to your knees and cover your head and neck with your hands.

If you are outside, stay outside.
 Move away from the building and power lines.
 Avoid overhanging structures.
 Remain in your location until the shaking stops.
23
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Once the shaking stops
WAIT 60 SECONDS AFTER SHAKING STOPS. Think, assess, move slowly.
PREPARE FOR AFTERSHOCKS – respond with Drop, Cover and Hold


Account for all individuals.
Check for injuries
 Assess if anyone is injured and provide medical assistance where required, or
call other staff members for assistance.

Check for people who may be trapped
 Inspect rooms, common areas, and other locations in your area. Leave doors to
rooms open.

Calm Persons In Care
 Instruct Persons In Care to remain calm and stay in an intact room, or
 Assemble Persons In Care in hallways until a detailed damage assessment is
complete.
 Keep Persons In Care away from windows, exterior walls, and objects which
may fall.


Check for hazards
 Check for fires.
 Floors may be covered with glass, spilled liquids, and chemicals.
 Check the operating status of all telephones, and replace receivers on the
bases.
Do not touch fallen or damaged electrical wires.

Delegate the following tasks to staff as they become available













Compile a list of those present at the time of the earthquake.
If someone is missing either conduct an immediate search, or wait for
emergency services, depending upon the condition of the building.
Check utilities – shut off if necessary (i.e. electrical appliances, etc.). Check
sewage lines.
Check building for structural damage See APPENDIX B – Damage
Assessment of the Building.
Assess the damage to gas and water pipes, electrical wiring, and sewage lines.
Turn off valves and water.
Clear hallways and evacuation routes of hazards.
Avoid other probable dangers (fallen wires, overhanging debris, etc.).
Check for fires and fire hazards.
Check gas, water, and electric lines.
Use a flashlight NOT a candle.
Turn on battery operated radio (or care radio) for emergency bulletins.
Check supplies, food, water, first aid.
Draw a moderate amount of cold water. Fill tubs with water in order to provide
short-term resource.
If the building assessment indicates that it is unsafe to remain the Licensee/Manager or delegate will contact
local authorities regarding transportation to the designated alternate site.
24
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5.j
DATE: MONTH YEAR
PANDEMIC INFLUENZA
The person appointed to take the lead for Pandemic Influenza planning for the facility is
______________________.
Next of kin are provided with BC Health File #94a, May 2006, Pandemic Influenza Series:
“What is a Pandemic? “ This Health File is available in English, Chinese, French, Punjabi, Spanish
and Vietnamese. This file can be found at the following link:
http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile108a.stm
Next of kin are counselled not to visit the facility if showing symptoms. Where Adult Day Care is
provided by the facility in addition to Residential Care next of kin are advised to establish backup
plans for the individual’s care in the event of an infectious illness or in the event that the Facility
must close due to lack staff or on orders of the Chief Medical Health Officer.
A copy of the document produced by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and the Government
of BC called “Be prepared…Be Well” should be available in the Facility for reference. It can be
accessed at:
http://www.viha.ca/NR/rdonlyres/62E9CAEF-87BC-444A-91268A21478D56C2/0/be_prepared_be_well_final_23oct09.pdf
Communication plans for a Pandemic are to ensure that information provided through the BC
Centre for Disease Control and VIHA’s Chief Medical Health Officer are shared with staff and
families in a timely manner to counteract misinformation that may be causing fear and anxiety for
staff and families.
The Facility will adopt the BC Standard Human Resource policies for Pandemic Influenza, currently
being developed at the provincial level, once they are finalized and published.
The facility will monitor and report to Licensing on absenteeism if requested to do so by VIHA’s
Chief Medical Health Officer or delegate.
VIHA HEM will develop a staff education program for facilities that will provide education about:
 Comparison of Pandemic and Influenza Signs and Symptoms
 How Influenza spreads
 Checking Persons In Care on arrival for illness
 Infection control techniques
 Good hygiene practices
 Segregating Persons In Care who become ill while in care
 Frequency and methods of cleaning during a pandemic
 Information regarding help Persons In Care and staff deal with loss and
grief
 Annual Influenza Vaccinations
25
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Staff, Persons In Care and Next of Kin are encouraged to get Annual Influenza vaccinations.
Adequate supplies are stocked to control the spread of infection. The Standard of Practice for
vaccines follows on the next page.
26
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
27
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
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DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
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DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5k
DATE: MONTH YEAR
INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMICS
There are many infectious diseases that can afflict Persons In Care and Residential Care Facilities.
For a comprehensive listing and instructions regarding these diseases refer to Appendix D of this
plan for the document “Sneezes and Diseases”. It is noted that this document was designed for
children, however, there are portions of the document that are applicable to adults as well such as
Norwalk Virus. Facilities may pick and chose the sections they wish to incorporate into staff
education and/or orientation as appropriate.
http://www.vch.ca/media/SneezesDiseases.pdf
30
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.5.l
DATE: MONTH YEAR
BOIL WATER NOTIFICATION
From time to time Boil Water Notifications may be issued by the local water supplier.
Get to know who your local water supplier is and ensure that you are on their priority call out list in the event
of a Boil Water Notification being issued.
Upon receipt of such a notification and where the facility is dependent on a public water supply, as opposed
to well water, the facility will:
1. Use only bottle water for drinking.
2. Use paper plates and plastic utensils for food preparation and consumption
3. Use a waterless disinfectant for hand washing
4. Ensure that the water supply to sinks, drinking fountains and outside water sources (taps and hoses)
are turned off
5. Post pre-prepared signage indicating the Boil Water Notification is in effect.
Water Disinfection
Facilities have a supply of Iodine tablets for the purpose of disinfecting water,
Note:
Water may also be purified by bringing it to a rapid boil for 1 minute. Due to its chemical content,
swimming pool or spa water should not be used as a primary source of drinking water.
31
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
1.5.m UTILITY OUTAGES
POWER FAILURES:
Facilities complete the BC Hydro “Business Outage Preparation Checklist” below, completing only
the specific portions within the sections that are relevant to their business.
Before An Outage
1. Look at the building

Identify the location of your meter room and electric service entrance
o Make sure you have access to the meter room
o If you have more than one electric meter, identify which meter serves each part
of your building and the pieces of equipment that are connected to each meter.

Identify the voltage levels that BC Hydro delivers to your location

If your meter room does not have emergency lighting consider installing one.
o Keep a flashlight, along with fresh batteries, in the meter room so that you can
see your equipment if the power goes out.

If your building has fuses, know the location and ratings. Keep two (2) sets of spares in
reserve in case a fuse blows when services is restored
2. Look at the equipment

Post an electrical one line diagram in the meter room to help the people working to
restore power.

Develop and implement a written maintenance program for your vault and electrical
equipment.

Prepare a list of equipment that will need to be reset after an outage.

Contact the service providers for your telephone service, security system and fire
protection service for information on how these systems will operate during and after, an
electrical outage.

Know what equipment can and cannot be turned off. Develop a plan for controlled shutdown if needed.
32
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
3. Take steps to prepare

Prepare and document your operational tasks and responsibilities during a power
outage. Have an operational plan ready for shutting down and restarting electrical
equipment and appliances.

Have someone on site or on call who is qualified to work on your electrical equipment.

Establish the back-up personnel responsible for handling emergencies that happen after
hours and develop an after-hours notification system.

Install surge protection devices to protect sensitive electronic equipment.

Develop a list of emergency phone numbers
o Include suppliers, electricians, contractors, elevator services, computer services,
managers at your business and BC Hydro 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769-3766)
o Post the list in the meter room and in other strategic locations for quick access
when needed.

Set up a safety committee. Appoint safety coordinators in each section of your
business to provide information and direction to employees in their work areas.

Have a cell phone or cordless phone available or readily accessible. Cordless phones
and your company’s phone system may not work without electricity.

Ensure that all key personnel have cell phones and that everyone has a list of those
numbers.

Have a qualified electrician test the breakers to make sure they work and are not likely
to break when repeatedly opened and closed.

Put together and maintain an emergency kit including flashlights, battery powered radio,
battery powered clocks, extra batteries and a coy of you emergency plan with key
phone numbers.
4. Prepare your employees

Educate your employees on what to do if an outage occurs. Include information on:
o Using elevators on your site
o Shutdown procedures for air conditioning or refrigeration equipment, alarm
systems and any other critical equipment or systems.

Ensure that key staff know the procedure for reporting an outage and have a note of
you BC Hydro account number or your Site Location Identification (SLID) handy.

Have an emergency plan in place for employees who rely on medical equipment. This
may include back-up power sources or transportation to another facility.
33
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR

Provide flashlights to each department for use if the power goes out.
o Do not use candles

Keep protective gloves and goggles on hand so employees will be prepared to switch
breakers back on when power is restored.
o Be sure that the protective equipment used meets the requirements of WorkSafe
BC Occupational Health & Safety regulations for the voltage levels in your
facility.
5. Check your backup systems

If you have a back-up generator, know it’s make, capacity and delivery voltage.


Have someone on site or on call who is qualified to work with your back-up system
o Make sure all manufacturers’ operating instructions are carefully followed.
Double check that all critical loads, including elevators and emergency lighting are
connected to the back-up generator.
o Verify that your back-up generator capacity is enough to handle this load.

Establish a regular maintenance program for your back-up generator

Test your back-up generator each month
o Check the generator under load conditions to make sure it works
o Include the switchgear and transfer switch to your test.

Remove potential hazards or hazardous materials that could be impacted by the
operation of a back-up generator.

Know how much fuel you have stored for the generator and how long that fuel would
last during an outage.
o Establish quick fuel delivery arrangements in case you run out of fuel
o Install a fuel inhibitor (gasoline or diesel fuels) and plan to use, replace or polish
this fuel at least once a year.

Test your back-up battery systems (Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS), emergency
lighting, phone, security, fire protection each year.

If you have a UPS system, know it’s back-up capacity in minutes.
o Update this information as you add or remove equipment
o Develop a plan for the orderly shutdown of equipment before the capacity limit is
reached.
34
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
6. When the power goes off

Check you circuit breakers or fuses to make sure that the outage is not being caused by
equipment problems in your facility. Is power out in your whole area?

Check to make sure employees are safe.
o Check your elevators, equipment and the facility in general for situations that
may require immediate attention.

If the outage is in your own system, contact your electrician or electrical contractor.

If it is a BC Hydro outage, report it by calling 1 888 POWERON or *HYDRO ( *49378)
on your cell phone. The automated outage reporting system will take you through
several prompts to match up your telephone number, address and BC Hydro account
number or it can connect you with a representative if you don’t have this information
handy.
o If the outage has already been reported, the system will provide you with the
most recent estimated time of power restoration, if one is available.
o If BC Hydro does not have an outage recorded for your location , you will be
transferred to an agent to record the details.
o If you have a laptop or a computer on back-up power supply, you can go to
bchydro.com/outages for outage information by region, including estimated
restoration times where known. An estimated restoration time may not be
available if a hydro crew has not yet assessed the cause and repair required.
o Tune into you local news on your portable radio for up-dated outage information.

If you are using a back-up generator, make sure the transfer switch is properly isolated
from your generator load and that power is not feeding back into the Hydro system

Turn off major pieces of equipment not connected to your back-up generator, because
some appliances or tools left on will start up automatically when service is restored,
turning them off can prevent damage, injury or fire.
o Leave a few lights on in visible areas so you know when the power is restored

Go to the meter room and shut off the circuit breakers to the major pieces of equipment.
This will help avoid power surges and possible damage to your equipment when the
power is restored.
o Be sure to leave the breakers on that control the lights to alert you when the
power is restored.

Contact the companies that service your air conditioning system, alarm and
communications equipment for information or specific instructions.
35
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
7. When the power is restored.

When power is restored, turn on the most essential equipment first and wait 10 – 15
minutes before re-connecting voltage sensitive and less critical equipment, to give the
system a chance to stabilize.

Close you circuit breakers one at a time.
o Start with your non-critical, single phase breakers, first
o Wait a minute or two to make sure your equipment is operating before moving to
the next breakers
o Turn on any three-phase equipment at the end of this process.

Remember to re-set clocks, automatic timers and alarms

Shut down you back-up generator and transfer load back to your electrical system,
following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check and replenish the fuel supply to your back-up generator.

Review and update your outage plan in the light of learning from this outage, while the
experience is fresh in everyone’s mind.

Meet with your Safety Committee to update procedures as necessary.

Communicate and report what happened to all concerned.

Report to Licensing as a Service Delivery Disruption. Contact information is found in
Appendix H.
36
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
GAS INTERRUPTIONS OR STOPAGES
WHAT DOES GAS SMELL LIKE?
Rotten eggs: a bad smell for a good reason
Natural gas and piped propane smell like rotten eggs or sulphur. Because natural gas is odourless,
we add trace amounts of a chemical called mercaptan, which has a distinctive rotten egg or
sulphur-like odour. It smells bad for a good reason! In case of a leak, we want you to be able to
detect and identify it. We never charge to investigate a gas odour call.
What to do if you smell gas
If you smell gas or hear the flow of escaping gas, follow these steps immediately:
Don't smoke, light matches, operate electrical switches, use either cell or telephones, or create any
other source of ignition.
Leave the building immediately; leaving the door open and any windows that may already be open.
Turn your gas off at the meter, if you know how.
Get to a nearby phone and call the Terasen Gas 24-hour Emergency Line at
1-800-663-9911, or 911 or the fire department emergency number.
If you are on a known flood plain access the Terasen Gas website for specific information:
http://www.terasengas.com/_Safety/SafetyHomeWork/EmergencyPreparedness/Floods/defa
ult.htm
Report to Licensing as a Service Delivery Disruption. Contact information is found in Appendix H
37
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.6
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Call Back to Duty for Staff
All facilities are responsible for maintaining and activating their staff call back to duty listings.
In facilities where contracted services are used this needs to be discussed with a
Representative of the Contractor.
1.6.a
REGISTER OF STAFF CALLED BACK TO DUTY
DATE: _________________
EMPLOYEE
TIME IN
ASSIGNMENT
38
TIME OUT
INITIALS
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
1.7 Disaster Supply Lists
Emergency Supply Kit: This is an example only the items and amounts may vary
with the size of the facility.













one copy of the Site Emergency and Disaster Response Management Plan and the
Emergency Operations Manual
space blankets sufficient for each Persons In Care and staff member
umbrellas
2 rolls tape "Keep Out, Do Not Enter"
heavy duty flashlights and spare batteries
portable radio (A/C and battery operated)
portable or cellular telephone
2 large tarps
2 hard hats
4 pairs protective gloves
2 pairs of rubber boots, steel toe caps
first aid kit
1 whistle
Food and Water sufficient for the number of Persons In Care normally in residence and for the number of
staff present on a week day for a 7 hour period should be stored at the facility. Facilities will take into
consideration any “Special food needs” e.g. allergies or illness, of Persons In Care residing in their facility.
The example menus are acceptable for individuals with diabetes.
Survival Diet for One Day For One Person
Breakfast
1/2 cup canned fruit, drained
1/2 cup cold cereal (shredded wheat, puffed wheat or puffed rice)
5 low salt crackers + 2 tbsp. jelly
1/2 cup Rice Dream
Cup of water
Snack
Hard candy
Lunch
15 low salt crackers
6 tbsp jelly
1/2 cup canned fruit, drained
1/2 cup juice
Hard candy
Cup of water
Snack
4 cookies
1/2 cup canned fruit, drained
Evening
1 cup canned stew
10 low salt crackers
4 tbsp. jelly
1/2 cup canned fruit, drained
1/2 cup juice
Cup of water
39
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Supplies for Three Days Survival Diet For One Person
FOODS:
12
1
6
1
1
2
2
3
1
12
4 ounce cans of fruit (applesauce, pears, peaches, pineapple only)
Package of (3) shredded wheat biscuits or 2 cups of puffed rice or puffed wheat
4 ounce boxes of juice (apple or cranberry)
Box low salt crackers
Box low salt cookies
Bottles jelly
Bags hard candy (barley sugar, humbugs, peppermints, hard fruit candies)
8 ounce cans of stew
Small jar of peanut butter (optional)
500 ml Bottles of water
EQUIPMENT:
1
1
1
1
Can opener (small, hand operated)
Sharp pen knife
Small piece of aluminum foil
Container with lid
Ziploc bags
Paper towels
Disposable plates, bowls and plastic knives, forks and spoons
Waterproof matches and candles
Flashlight and battery operated radio
Iodine tablets for water purification
40
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.8
DATE: MONTH YEAR
COMMUNICATION
In Emergency or disaster events, Residential Care Facilities come under the authority of local
Municipal or Regional District governments. Primary information and instructions will come from
these authorities to the Residential Care Facilities.
Municipal or Regional
District EOC
Vancouver Island Health
Authority
CMHO
Residential Care Facility
Dotted Line indicates Information only. Facility Managers are encouraged to contact their local
Municipal or Regional District Emergency manager to share their plan and discuss the role of
the Municipality or regional District versus the role of the Residential Care facility during an
emergency response. Expectations should be clarified at that meeting for both parties. A list
of Contact numbers for local authorities is found in Appendix J.
41
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
1.8.a Radio



CBC FM and other local Radio Stations will relay all emergency radio transmissions on behalf of
the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) during a disaster or emergency declared by a
Municipality, Regional District or the Province
Stations will communicate information to the general public regarding the response to the
emergency, how and where medical help will be available, public health information, staffing
needs at various sites, etc.
CBC Frequencies by Community
COMMUNITY
ALERT BAY
BAMFIELD
CAMPBELL RIVER
CHEMAINUS
COAL HARBOUR
COMOX
COURTENAY
NORTH END CORTEZ ISLAND
SOUTH END CORTEX ISLAND
CROFTON
CUMBERLAND
DENMAN ISLAND
DUNCAN
GOLD RIVER
HORNBY ISLAND
LADYSMITH
METCHOSIN
NANAIMO
PARKSVILLE
PORT ALBERNI
PORT ALICE
PORT HARDY
PORT MCNEILL
QUADRA ISLAND
QUALICUM BEACH
SALT SPRING ISLAND
SAYWARD
SOINTULA
SOOKE
TAHSIS
TOFINO
UCLUELET
VICTORIA
RADIO FREQUENCY
101.5 FM
540 AM
104.5 FM
90.5 FM
540 AM
92.5 FM
92.5 FM
104.5 FM
92.5 FM
90.5 FM
92.5 FM
92.5 FM
90.5 FM
860 AM
92.5 FM
90.5 FM
99.5 FM
105.7 FM
92.5 FM
98.1 FM
1170 AM
95.5 FM
105.1 FM
104.5 FM
92.5 FM
90.5 FM
630 AM
105.1 FM
99.5 FM
1240 AM
91.5 FM
540 AM
90.5 FM
Facility Licensee/Manager or delegate should check and if local radio will be broadcasting they may
choose to tune into that station. Local Station frequency: _________________It is a good idea to
pre-set your portable, battery operated radio to the frequency of your choice.
1.8.b Media
Residential Care Facility Licensee/Manager or delegate should determine their response to all Press
and Media representatives concerning their facilities operation.
42
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
SECTION 1.9 FACILITY BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN
SECTION 1.9.1
RECORD OF REVIEWS
The Business Continuity plan for the _________________________ will be reviewed annually in an
attempt to keep the Information as current as possible in the event we may be required to activate
the plan.
Initiated
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
Review date:
SECTION 1.9.2
OVERVIEW
The __________________Facility Business Continuity Plans are designed to restore the
provision of Residential Care Services as quickly and efficiently as is reasonably possible.
Disruption in service may be a result of either natural (i.e. earthquake, flood, fire), or manmade (i.e. system failure, terrorism/bombing, etc) events.
It is necessary to review potential Hazards and make an assessment of the likelihood of
each event impacting the operations of the facility. The Analysis result for this facility is
found in Section 1.9.3
43
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
SECTION 1.9.3 – RISK HAZARD VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS
CSA CATEGORY
HAZARD
IMPACT
Yes
Natural Geographical Earthquake
Tsunami
Volcano
Landslide; Mudslide; Subsidence; Avalanche
Glacier; Iceberg
Natural
Meteorological
Flood; Flash Flood; Seiche; Tidal surge
Drought; Famine
Fire: interface wildfire; range; forest; wildland
Snow; Ice; Hail; Sleet;
Windstorm; Cyclone; Hurricane; Tornado; Water spout; Dust/sand Storm
Extreme Heat
Extreme Cold
Lightening strikes
Geomagnetic storm
Natural
Biological
Disease with human impact: Influenza Pandemic; Epidemic; Plague; West
Nile Virus; SARS;
Disease with animal impact: Mad Cow; West Nile; Avian Influenza
Animal/Insect infestation
Human Caused NonHazardous spill internal
intentional
Hazardous spill external
Explosion - internal
Fire – internal - minor
Fire - internal - major
Transportation accidents
Building/Structure collapse
Mass casualties
Mass contamination
Energy; Power; Utility Failure
Fuel shortage
44
No
ACTION PLAN
COMPLETED
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
CSA CATEGORY
HAZARD
IMPACT
Yes
Human Caused NonWater contamination - internal
intentional (cont’d)
Water contamination -external
Financial issues; Depression; Inflation
Communication system failure/interruptions
Misinformation
Human caused
Intentional
Terrorism – CBRNE & Cyber
Sabotage
Civil disturbance; Public unrest; mass hysteria; Riot
Enemy attack/War
Insurrection
Strike or Labour dispute
Disinformation
Criminal activity
Electromagnetic pulse
Workplace violence
Technology caused
Central computer, mainframe failure
Ancilliary support equipment failure
Telecommunication failure
Energy; Power; Utility failures
Site Specific
45
No
DATE: MONTH YEAR
ACTION PLAN
COMPLETED
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
SECTION 1.9.4
DATE: MONTH YEAR
GOALS
Three main goals have been established as guidelines for this plan. These goals are outlined below:

Provide a working document for __________________ facility staff members responding to a
disaster.

Design a business continuity plan to restore Residential Care services as quickly and efficiently as
possible.

Provide staff with education and tools to allow them to have a personal plan for themselves and their
families in the event of a disaster.
SECTION 1.9.5
BUSINESS FUNCTIONS
There are four impacts that would cause an impact of the operation of the facility:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Systems up/Building unusable
Systems Down/ Building usable
Systems down/Building unusable.
Insufficient Human Resources
Business Continuity planning is therefore structured around these three possibilities.
1.9.5.a
Systems up/Building down
In the event that the building is unusable. Decisions will need to be made
concerning the operations.
Depending on the cause of the building being unusable there are options:
i)
The operations will move to it’s alternate site. Next of kin will be
informed by phone of the circumstances and any change in location
and/or operations.
ii)
If ordered to evacuate by the local authorities: If the alternate
location is usable the operations will shift to that site. If that site Is
unavailable then the second alternate location is to be used. I neither
is available/usable then the Manager will contact the local authorities
EOC and obtain advice on next steps. A note indicating the
relocation will be posted on the door of the facility, and Next of kin will
be notified by phone if the telephone system is operational.
iii)
Next of kin will be notified of the site and hours of operation and the
date of the transfer back to the original site either by signage or
telephone.
46
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
1.9.5.b
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Systems down/Building up
In the event that systems are down but the building is operational. Decisions
need to be made regarding the operations.
1.9.5.c
i)
If the system outage can be managed and the operation can continue
without concerns about the safety of the staff and Persons In Care it
will do so.
ii)
If the outage results in potential harm to the staff and Persons In Care
and evacuation to an alternate location will be undertaken. If one of the
systems that is impacted is the telephone system. A note will be left for
Next of kin indicating the address of the alternate location,
iii)
Close until the systems can be restored. Next of kin will be notified as
soon as possible of re-opening.
Systems down/Building down
This is the worst case scenario. The operation will:
i)
Move to an alternate location if possible and continue to care for the
Persons In Care. If the alternate location is unavailable then go to the
second alternate location. If that too is unavailable then:
ii)
Evacuate to a safe area and contact the Emergency Operations Centre
of yourr Municipality for assistance in finding alternate placement where
staff will continue to care for the Persons In Care until Next of kin or predesignated alternate’s are called.
.
1.9.5.d
Insufficient Human Resources
If for any reason the facility does not have sufficient staff to operate safely
within the Residential Care Licensing Regulations the facility will need to:
 Have an essential services staffing plan that outlines what must be
undertaken when staffing is at a lower than normal level; and
 Have an alternate source of staff to contact such as an agreement with
another health care provider for short term coverage. Any such
agreements should be documented through a Memorandum of
Agreement and should be included as an addition Appendix in the facility
response plan.
 Submit an incident report to Licensing
47
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
SECTION 1.9.6
DATE: MONTH YEAR
ALTERNATE LOCATIONS
In the event that the ____________________Facility cannot operate on it’s primary site the
first alternatives site is:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE
The second alternative site is:
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE
It is of paramount importance that your plan is discussed with local emergency
management authorities as soon as your plan is complete. A copy of your plan
should be provided to your local authorities when you meet with them.
48
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
2
DATE: MONTH YEAR
REFERENCE MATERIALS
APPENDIX A
Next of Kin Emergency Preparedness Information
APPENDIX B
Damage Assessment of the Building
APPENDIX C
Be Prepared….Be Well
APPENDIX D
Sneezes and Diseases
APPENDIX E
Individual & Neighbourhood All Hazard Emergency
Preparedness Workbook.
APPENDIX F
52 Weeks to Emergency Preparedness
APPENDIX G
Grab ‘n Go Bags
APPENDIX H
VIHA Licensing Contact Information
APPENDIX I
Reportable Incidents and VIHA INFOsheet
APPENDIX J
Local Authorities Contact Information
APPENDIX K
Incident Command System
APPENDIX L
British Columbia Emergency Response Management System (BCERMS)
APPENDIX M
Provincial Emergency Program (PEP)
APPENDIX N
Municipal Emergency Social Services (ESS)
APPENDIX O
Common Emergency Planning Acronyms
49
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX A:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Next of Kin Emergency Preparedness Information
Persons In Care needs will be provided for through the facilities Disaster and
Emergency Response plans.
As Next of Kin you are encouraged to ensure you and your family are prepared for
emergencies so that you might be able to assist in the recovery of the facility and the
provision of comfort to your Person In Care.
We are please to offer a number of tools to assist you in your personal planning:
CD Contents
The Provincial Emergency Program has a number of excellent tools:
http://www.pep.bc.ca/hazard_preparedness/personal_preparedness.html
Vancouver Coastal Health also has some good reference materials on Infectious Diseases:
http://www.vch.ca/media/SneezesDiseases.pdf
VIHA also has specific information regarding caring for yourself and your family during a
Pandemic:
http://www.viha.ca/NR/rdonlyres/62E9CAEF-87BC-444A-91268A21478D56C2/0/be_prepared_be_well_final_23oct09.pdf
50
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX B
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Damage Assessment of the Building

Use the Damage Assessment Checklist following this page to assess the damage to the building,
and report the findings to the Licensee/Manager or delegate

Differentiate between structural and non-structural damage. Although damage may appear to be
extensive, evacuation may not be necessary.

Do not occupy the building and prevent access if:




The building had collapsed partially or completely.
There is obvious and severe damage to primary structural supports, or other signs of
distress.
There are large ground fissures or massive ground movement near the building.
Prevent access to part of the building if:



There is a hazardous spill.
Gas or power lines have broken.
Windows are broken.

Post signs in areas deemed to be unsafe indicating the danger.

Immediately notify the Medical Health Officer On Call 1-800-204-6166 as to the status of
the quality and quantity of the water supply.
51
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
Damage Assessment Checklist
ACTIVITY
COMPLETE
COMMENTS
Fire
Exterior:
Structural
Integrity:
Landslides,
bank
failure, surface fissures,
Flooding
Entry and exit routes:
Safe, accessible
Interior:
Structure
Integrity:
Fallen light fixtures,
Broken windows,
Fallen
cupboards/furniture,
Hazardous spills
Elevators:
Doors, pulleys, chains
& electrical systems
Electrical
System:
system
integrity,
shorting, fire & fallen
power lines
Water:
System
integrity,
availability & purity
HVAC
functioning
system:
52
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
ACTIVITY
Sewage
functioning
COMPLETE
COMMENTS
system:
Telephone & paging
system:
Functioning
Natural gas system:
system
integrity
&
availability
Other
53
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX C
BE PREPARED BE WELL
54
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
Insert document
55
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX D
SNEEZES AND DISEASES
56
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
Insert Document
57
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX E:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Individual and Neighborhood All Hazard Emergency
Preparedness Workbook:
Further copies available at:
58
www.pep.ca
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
Insert document
59
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
APPENDIX F: 52 WEEKS TO EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
52 WEEKS TO BEING EMERGENCY PREPARED!
DURING A DISASTER IS NOT THE TIME TO PLAN
Disasters can strike at any time. Events in Indonesia, Pakistan, New Orleans and the
Tsunami warning we experienced a year ago are all indications that we need to take
preparedness seriously.
Peace of mind can be increased by knowing you have essential supplies on hand and are
prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours but more realistically for seven days. Set
up a family meeting now to discuss how you can best prepare for a disaster.
The following is a tool developed by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
Emergency Program and is used with their permission.


Week 1: Disaster kit containers:
you can either use a separate
container for each member of the
family or a number of larger
containers to use for the family as a
whole such as a plastic bucket,
suitcase, box, wheeled garbage
container etc. Be sure that you can
transport them easily one a wagon,
luggage rack etc. If you use a
separate container for each
member of your family. Designate
one container as the “main”
container as some weeks you will
be adding items only to one
container. Find an accessible
location for the containers to be
stored, close to an exit, and known
to all family members.

Week 4: For each family member
add: 1 can of soup, 3 small
packages of crackers and eating
utensils (knife, fork & spoon)

Week 5: Plan and practice
evacuation drills using two different
escape routes from each room and
meeting at a pre-appointed
location. Consider placing an
escape ladder on the second floor
of a two story home. For each
family member add: 1 small can
opener, 1 can prepared meat and 1
box/package raisins or other dried
fruit.

Week 3: Post emergency phone
numbers near each telephone and
instruct all family members on the
use of these numbers. Designate
a relative or friend living outside of
BC as your family contact – ensure
that they are prepared to man their
telephone once the initial 72 hours
have elapsed. After a disaster it is
often easier to call out of your
region as the local phone lines
might be tied up.
Week 2: Create a menu for every
meal for every day (7 x 3 = 21).
Then use the menu to determine
what food items you need to
include in your containers.
60
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN

Week 6: For each family member,
add: 3 granola bars, 3 juice boxes
which are vacuum sealed, waxed
containers with drinking straws.

Week 7: For each family member
add: 2 large plastic bags to be
used as a poncho, ground cover,
blanket or for trash, waste or water
protection, 6 medium plastic bags,
a plastic cup and dish and 6 to 10
small paper plates.


Week 12: For each family member
add: 3 sticks jerky and 3 cans fruit
(applesauce, peaches, pears etc.)

Week 13: For each family member
add: 1 package trail mix, 1 can
vegetables and enough vitaminmineral supplement for 7 days

Week 14: For each family member
add: bedding. This could be a
sleeping bag or two blankets, 2
cloth sheets and two plastic sheets
for ground cover. In practicing your
family evacuation drill, train family
members to quickly roll up sheets
and blankets together as they get
out of bed and bring these with
them as they leave their rooms.

Week 15: If you have an infant in
your family, you need to create an
infant disaster kit which might
contain: disposable diapers. Baby
wipes and diaper rash cream, baby
soap, formula, disposable bottles
and nipples, warm sleeper, warm
blanket, hooded jacket, baby food
for 3 – 5 days, crackers, pacifiers,
teether, baby aspirin, Vaseline,
changes of clothing and duplicates
of favourite toys.

Week 16: For each family member
add: brush and/or comb,
toothbrush and toothpaste,
shampoo, deodorant, flashlight and
batteries.
Week 8: For each family member
add: 1 small package tissues, 1 can
nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews,
sunflower seed etc.), small
containers of nut butter (peanut,
almond, cashew etc.) and honey,
jam, salt, pepper and sugar.

Week 9: For each family member
add: underwear, socks, shirt,
pants, sweater, hat, working
gloves, jacket and sturdy shoes.

Week 10: Store four (4) litres (1
gallon) of WATER per person/per
day and include addition water for
pets. You might want to consider a
separate means of transporting the
water for the whole family.

Week 11: For each family member
add: 1/2 pound of instant
powdered milk, 1 envelope
powdered juice drink, 1 can
evaporated milk and one container
“shelf” milk.
DATE: MONTH YEAR
61
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR

Week 17: For each family member
add: 6 safety pins of assorted
sizes, 1 towel, 1 washcloth, 1 small
bar of soap and soap dish, battery
or wind-up watch or clock.

Week 24: Add to ONE container:
sunscreen, insect repellent, hand
lotion, fingernail clippers, nail file,
small bottle of Tylenol or Aspirin
and a small bottle of Advil.

Week 18: For each family member
add: 1 lip balm, spare eyeglasses.
10 quarters for phone calls and one
lightweight foil blanket.

Week 25: Add to ONE container a
battery operated radio with extra
batteries and favourite family
books.

Week 19: For each family member
add: 6 individually wrapped
handiwipes or small bottle of hand
disinfectant, 15 paper towels and
toilet paper rolled up.

Week 27: Add to ONE container:
mirror, razor, shaving cream (if
desired), cotton swabs, sore throat
lozenges, hydrogen peroxide,
alcohol, bandages, adhesive tape.

Week 20: For each family member
over 12 add: matches, water
proofed with paraffin or nail polish
and piece of sandpaper for striking,
1 candle in a jar and 1 small pocket
or paring knife.

Week 28: Add to ONE container:
scissors, tweezers, triangular
bandage, needle and spool of
thread, cotton and consecrated oil.

Week 29: Add to ONE container:
First aid guide, sanitary pads – to
stop bleeding and burn medication.
Personal medications, prescriptions
including prescriptions for glasses,
contact lenses in each person’s
container as necessary.

Week 30: Get a large bucket with
a tight fitting lid to use as a toilet, a
folding shovel and an axe.

Week 31: Add to ONE container:
small container of detergent,
dishpan, screwdriver and pair of
pliers.

Week 32: Add to ONE container:
small hammer and nails, electrical
tape, duct tape, adjustable wrench
and signal flares.



Week 21: For each family member
add: 1 package rice cakes, paper
and pencil, 1 small game (Uno
etc.). Fill out medical release from
for each minor Persons In Care in
the family and put in appropriate
containers.
Week 22: For each family member
add: 1 can baked beans, 1 can
spaghetti in sauce and 3 fruit rolls
or fruit leather.
Week 23: Add to ONE container:
10-20 foot length of rope, water
purification tablets, or medicine
dropper and small bottle of liquid
bleach (odourless), dust masks and
eye protectors.
62
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN

Week 33: Add to ONE container:
spare car and house keys, spare
glasses, whistle on string

Week 34: Assemble in an
accessible place for quick
evacuation: copies of personal
documents (genealogy, religious
documents, will, insurance papers,
financial records, passports,
medical records, inventory of
possessions and picture negatives)
DATE: MONTH YEAR

Week 42: Add to car kit: toilet
tissue, towellettes, baggies, coins
for pay phones, pen/pencil and
paper.

Week 43: Teach all members of
the family how and when and if to
turn off electricity, water and natural
gas to the house. You would only
turn off the gas if you smell or hear
a leak.

Week 44: Set aside the following
tools in an easily accessible
location: crescent wrench, shovel
and or broom, pliers and wire
cutters.

Week 35: Beside each bed place a
flashlight with tested and working
batteries and a sturdy pair of
shoes.

Week 36: Obtain a container to
use as an emergency car kit and
put into it booster cables, tools, ice
scraper and brush.

Week 45: Add to tool location:
screwdrivers, duct tape, a roll of
plastic tape, strong all purpose
work gloves.

Week 37: Add to car kit: first aid
kit, first aid manual and any
required medications.

Week 46: Create a “comfort kit” for
each member of the family which
may include reading materials,
cards, games, stuffed animals etc.

Week 38: Add to car kit: foil
blanket, folding shovel, sand or kitty
litter, tow chain.

Week 47: For each family member
add: 1 can poultry, seafood or
meat spread and 1 can vegetable
and meat stew.

Week 48: For each family member
add: 3 pouches instant dried soup,
coffee, tea and/or hot chocolate.

Week 49: For each family member
add: 3 small packages of cereal, 2
packages of cookies, 3 rice cakes
and a supply of candies and jellies.



Week 39: Add to car kit: warning
light of flares, fire extinguisher (5 lb.
ABC type) and tire repair kit and
pump.
Week 40: Add to car kit: bottled
water – at least 4 litres, and high
energy foods such as granola bars,
raisins and peanut butter.
Week 41: Add to car kit: flashlight,
spare batteries, candles and
waterproof matches.
63
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN

Week 50: A basic disaster kit
should be made up for any and all
family pets. This Pet Kit could
include: a carrier for each pet, ID
photo, vaccination records,
registrations, special needs list,
sufficient medicines and a
muzzle/collar and leash; extra
supply of pet food, bowls, can
opener, kitchen trash bags, bleach
for disinfectant and water
purification, kitty litter, blankets
towels, paper towels and other
waste disposal supplies.
DATE: MONTH YEAR

Week 51: Gather your family
together and review your
emergency evacuation procedures
and the contents of your disaster
kit, car kit and pet kit. Replace any
food items or bottled water as
needed, check batteries and smoke
detectors

Week 52: TWO TIMES A YEAR
when you change your clocks in the
spring and fall also do the following:
 Replace your supply of
stored tap water
 Replace outdated food
supplies
 Inspect your house for
potential hazards
 Check smoke detector
 Check batteries
 Practice escape routes
REMEMBER : You must consider any special needs that family members have.
Some additional items you might want to add to your emergency kit:
Bottle opener
Plastic wrap
Saran wrap
Emergency stove/Camp Stove
Cooking fuel
Oven mitts
Wooden spoons
Liquid dish soap & tea towels
Survival book
Sealable containers
Sharp kitchen knife
Goggles
36 hour candle
Glow sticks
Aluminium foil
Cooking pots, pans & covers
I D bracelets
Crow bar
64
Sledge hammer
SOS pads
Hard hat
Safety vest
Tent
Emergency light
Solar powered radio
Cutting board
Camping tools
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
APPENDIX G: GRAB’N GO BAGS
(Supplies sufficient for 72 hours)














Food
Water
First Aid Kit
Survival Manual
Flashlight & batteries
Radio & batteries
Money (for pay phones)
Gloves
Warm clothing
Sturdy shoes/Hiking boots
Prescribed medications
Extra prescription eyeglasses/contact lenses
Family photographs
Address book with important phone numbers
65
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX H: VIHA LICENSING CONTACTS
South Island
#201 - 771 Vernon Avenue
Victoria, BC V8X 5A7
Ph: (250) 475-2235
Fax: (250) 475-5130
Central Island
#29 - 1925 Bowen Road
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Ph: (250) 739-5800
Fax: (250) 751-1118
North Island
#200 - 1100 Island Highway
Campbell River, BC V9W 8C6
Ph: (250) 850-2110
Fax: (250) 286-3486
Link to VIHA’s Licensing Website:
http://www.viha.ca/mho/licensing
66
DATE: MONTH YEAR
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX I:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
REPORTABLE INCIDENTS
1 For the purpose of the regulations, any of the following is a reportable incident:
"aggressive or unusual behaviour" means aggressive or unusual behaviour by a person
in care towards other persons, including another person in care, which has not
been appropriately assessed in the care plan of the person in care;
"attempted suicide" means an attempt by a person in care to take his or her own life;
"choking" means a choking incident involving a person in care that requires emergency
care by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, or transfer to a hospital;
"death" means any death of a person in care;
"disease outbreak or occurrence" means an outbreak or the occurrence of a disease
above the incident level that is normally expected;
"emergency restraint" means any use of a restraint that is not agreed to under section
74 [when restraints may be used];
"emotional abuse" means any act, or lack of action, which may diminish the sense of
dignity of a person in care, perpetrated by a person not in care, such as verbal
harassment, yelling or confinement;
"fall" means a fall of such seriousness, experienced by a person in care, as to require
emergency care by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, or transfer to a
hospital;
"financial abuse" means
(a) the misuse of the funds and assets of a person in care by a person not
in care, or
(b) the obtaining of the property and funds of a person in care by a person
not in care without the knowledge and full consent of the person in care or
his or her parent or representative;
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"food poisoning" means a food borne illness involving a person in care that requires
emergency care by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner, or transfer to a
hospital;
"medication error" means an error in the administration of a medication which
adversely affects a person in care or requires emergency intervention or
transfer to a hospital;
"missing or wandering person" means a person in care who is missing;
"motor vehicle injury" means an injury to a person in care that occurs during transit by
motor vehicle while the person in care is under the care and supervision of the
licensee;
"neglect" means the failure of a care provider to meet the needs of a person in care,
including food, shelter, care or supervision;
"other injury" means an injury to a person in care requiring emergency care by a
medical practitioner or nurse practitioner or transfer to a hospital;
"physical abuse" means any physical force that is excessive for, or is inappropriate to, a
situation involving a person in care and perpetrated by a person not in care;
"poisoning" means the ingestion of a poison or toxic substance by a person in care;
"service delivery problem" means any condition or event which could reasonably be
expected to impair the ability of the licensee or his or her employees to provide
care, or which affects the health, safety or dignity of persons in care;
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
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"sexual abuse" means any sexual behaviour directed towards a person in care and
includes (a) any sexual exploitation, whether consensual or not, by an
employee of the licensee, or any other person in a position of trust, power or
authority, and (b) sexual activity between Persons In Care or youths, but does
not include consenting sexual behaviour between adult persons in care;
"unexpected illness" means any unexpected illness of such seriousness that it requires
a person in care to receive emergency care by a medical practitioner or nurse
practitioner or transfer to a hospital.
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VIHA INFO SHEET:
REPORTABLE AND NON-REPORTABLE INCIDENTS - INFORMATION FOR
CAREGIVERS
COMMUNITY CARE FACILITIES LICENSING PROGRAM
Purpose
The purpose of reportable incidents is:

To ensure that incidents are reported and reviewed in a timely manner both by the
facility and Community Care Facilities Licensing staff. This process will assist in the
prevention of recurrence and in the promotion of a high standard of care, safety, health
and dignity of the persons in care. This also allows for health authority-wide trending
and analysis to support continuous quality improvement.

To comply with the legal responsibility to report incidents as stated in the Residential
Care Regulation and Child Care Licensing Regulation.
General Instructions to Complete the Form
The definitions of reportable incidents are listed:
 In Schedule D in the Residential Care Regulation;
 In Schedule H in the Child Care Licensing Regulation; and
 On the back of the cover page of the Incident Report form pad for quick reference.
After a reportable incident occurs (either witnessed or following notification of a “reportable
incident”), the facility staff member/care provider (this could be care staff or management) will
complete an Incident Report form. All relevant information to be completed by the facility
(including facility follow-up and corrective measures) is on the front of the first page of the
Incident Report form.
For a “reportable incident”, the facility Licensee/Manager/Supervisor of Care shall review the
information on the incident form (including facility follow-up action/corrective measures), sign it,
remove and retain the yellow copy (facility) and then forward the Licensing Officer’s copy (white)
to the local Health Authority Licensing office, and the Funding Agency’s copy (pink) to the
Funding Agency (if applicable).
Guidelines for Sending Incident Report Forms to Licensing
Please note that there are differences between the Child Care Licensing Regulation and the
Residential Care Regulation as they pertain to the requirement for reporting incidents, as noted
below:
For Residential Care Facilities:
To avoid duplication and to streamline the reporting process, do not fax a copy of the Incident
Report form unless the incident is of an urgent nature. Incidents that would be considered to
be of an urgent nature include any allegations of abuse (sexual, physical, emotional, neglect,
financial), unexpected deaths, attempted suicides and service
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DATE: MONTH YEAR
2…
disruptions. For these urgent incidents, immediately call or fax your Licensing Officer and
then mail the white copy within 24 hours to your Licensing office. If reporting by fax or phone,
the original report must also be submitted to the Licensing office as soon as possible.
For other, incidents not of an urgent nature (e.g. falls, aggressive/unusual behaviours, expected
deaths, emergency restraints, unexpected illnesses, etc.) please mail the white copy promptly to
your local Licensing office.
Please contact your Licensing Officer if you have any questions and if in doubt, please err on
the side of over reporting.
For Child Care Facilities
Section 55 (2) of the Child Care Licensing Regulation requires that all reportable incidents be
reported to Licensing within 24 hours. Reports will be accepted by fax, phone call, or handdelivery of the original Incident Report form to the Licensing office. If reporting by fax or phone,
the original report form must also be submitted to the Licensing office as soon as possible.
Maintaining a Log of Non-reportable Incidents
In all types of facilities (Child Care, Child Residential Care, and Adult Residential Care facilities),
the licensee must maintain a written log of:
 Minor accidents and illnesses involving persons in care, that do not require medical
attention and are not reportable incidents; and
 Unexpected events involving persons in care.
Licensing Officers will review this log of non-reportable incidents at the time of their inspection
visit to your facility.
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
The collection and release of personal information is related directly to and is necessary for the
program operation per Section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information, contact your local
health authority, Community Care Facilities Licensing office.
South
201 – 771 Vernon Avenue
Victoria, BC V8X 5A7
Ph: (250) 475-2235
Fax: (250) 475-5130
Central
29 – 1925 Bowen Road
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1
Ph: (250) 739-5800
Fax: (250) 751-1118
71
North
200 – 1100 Island Highway
Campbell River, BC V9W 8C6
Ph: (250) 850-2110
Fax: (250) 286-3486
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX J:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
LOCAL AUTHORITIES CONTACT INFORMATION
Municipality/Regional District
SOUTH
District of Oak Bay
Colwood Emergency Program
Langford Emergency Program
Saanich Emergency Program
Southern Gulf Islands Emergency
Services
Salt Spring Island Emergency
Program
District of Highlands Emergency
Service
Central Saanich Emergency
Program
Town of View Royal Emergency
Program
City of Sidney Emergency
Program
City of Victoria Emergency
Program
Sooke Emergency Program
District of Mechosin Emergency
Program
Township of Esquimalt
Emergency Program
Juan de Fuca Electoral Area
Emergency Program
District of North Saanich
Emergency Program
Capital Regional District
Protection Services
Address
Phone Number
1703 Monterey Avenue
Victoria, BC V8R 5V6
3300 Wishart Road
Victoria, BC V9C 1R1
2775 Millstream Road
Victoria, BC V9B 3S5
760 Vernon Avenue
Victoria, BC V8X 2W6
3711 Bosun Way, Box 3
Pender Island, BC V0N 2M0
105 Lower Ganges Road
Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2T1
1980 Millstream Road
Victoria, BC V9E 1C9
1903 Mt. Newton Cross Road
Saanichton, BC V8M 2A9
280 Island Highway
Victoria, BC V9B 1G5
9837 Third Street
Sidney. BC V8L 3A6
1234 Yates Street
Victoria. BC V8V 3M8
2225 Otter Point Road
Sooke. BC V0S 1N0
641 Aquarius Road
Victoria, BC V9C 4G5
500 Park Place
Victoria, BC V9A 6Z9
#2– 6868 West Coast Road, Box 283
Sooke BC V0S 1N0
986 Wainwright Road
North Saanich, BC V8L 5N8
625 Fisguard Street,
Victoria, BC V8W 2S6
250-592-9121
72
250-478-5541
250-478-9555
250-475-5503
866-308-6160
250-629-3133
250-537-2531
250-208-3240
250-544-4227
250-479-7322
250-656-2121
250-920-3377
250-642-1634
250-474-3167
250-414-7125
250-642-2266
250-656-1931
250-360-3186
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
Municipality/Regional District
CENTRAL/NORTH
City of Parksville Emergency
Program
District of Tofino Emergency
Program
Cowichan Valley Regional District
Protection Services
Regional District of Nanaimo
Emergency Programs
Comox Valley Emergency
Program
Strathcona Emergency Program
Alberni/Clayquot Regional District
Emergency Program
City of Nanaimo and Lantzville
Emergency Programs
Regional District of Mt.
Waddington Emergency Program
Town of Qualicum Beach
Emergency Program
Powell River Emergency Program
District of Ucluelet Emergency
Program
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Address
Phone Number
Box 1390
Parksville, BC V9P 2H3
Box 9
Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
175 Ingram Street,
Duncan, BC V9L1N8
6300 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N2
3001 Moray Avenue
Courtenay, BC V9N 7S7
301-990 Cedar Street,
Campbell River, BC V9W 7Z8
3008 – 5th Avenue
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2E3
575 Fitzwilliam Street
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5J6
Box 729,
Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0
Box 130,
Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 2S7
4766 Harwood Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 2R4
Box 999
Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0
250-248-3242
73
250-725-4436
250-746-2562
250-390-7511
250-334-6488
250-830-6703
250-720-2529
250-755-4572
250-956-3888
250-752-6921
604-414-4553
250-726-7774
FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX K
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Incident Command System (ICS)
The British Columbia Emergency Management Response System (BCERMS)
The complexity of incident management, coupled with the growing need for multi-agency
and multifunctional involvement on incidents, has increased the need for a single
standard incident management system that can be used by all emergency response
disciplines.
The BC government through its Interagency Emergency Preparedness Council (IEPC)
has developed a comprehensive “all hazards” provincial emergency operations system.
This British Columbia Emergency Management Response System (BCERMS) identifies
the standardized approach to emergency response management to be utilized and
practiced by provincial government ministries, agencies and crown corporations.
The standard approach adopted by IEPC for emergency and disaster site operations is
the Incident Command System (ICS), as used in the United States. The BC government
is encouraging federal government agencies, local governments, First Nations and the
private sector to endorse and use the ICS outlined by the BCERMS.
The ICS
The Incident Command System (ICS) used by the BC government and various municipal
agencies (e.g. police, fire, emergency planners and the VIHA).
One of the major benefits of this will be the simplicity of understanding other agencies
Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) management structures during the event of a major
disaster.
The Incident Command System (ICS) is used to manage an emergency incident or a
non-emergency event. It can be used equally well for both small and large situations.
The system has considerable internal flexibility. It can grow or shrink to meet differing
needs. This makes it a very cost-effective and efficient management system. The
system can be applied to a wide variety of emergency and non-emergency situations.
Every incident or event has certain major management activities or actions that must be
performed. Even if the event is very small, and only one or two people are involved,
these activities will still apply to some degree.
Organizations for the Incident Command System (ICS) is built around five major
management activities:
 Command
 Operations
 Planning
 Logistics
 Finance/Administration
These five major management activities are the foundation upon which the ICS
organization develops. They apply whether you are handling a routine emergency,
organizing for a major event, or managing a major response to a disaster.
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On small incidents, these major activities may all be managed by one person, the
Incident Commander (IC). Large incidents usually require that they be set up as
separate sections within the organization
INCIDENT COMMAND (THE BOSS)
 Sets objectives and priorities
 Has overall responsibility at the incident or event
OPERATIONS SECTION (THE DOERS)
 Conducts tactical operations to carry out the plan
 Develops the tactical objectives, organization
 Directs all resources
PLANNING SECTION (THE THINKERS)
 Develops the action plan to accomplish the objectives
 Collects and evaluates information
 Maintains resources status
LOGISTICS SECTION (THE GETTERS)
 Provides support to meet incident needs
 Provides resources
 Provides other services to support the incident
FINANCE/ADMINISTRATION SECTION (THE PAYERS)
 Monitors costs related to incident
 Provides accounting, procurement, time recording and cost analysis
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX L
DATE: MONTH YEAR
British Columbia Emergency Response Management System
(BCERMS)
INTRODUCTION
The Government of British Columbia has adopted BCERMS (British Columbia Emergency
Response Management System) as a comprehensive management system that ensures a
coordinated and organized response to all emergencies and disasters. The BCERMS
incident command structure will be used within the EOCs or ECCs within Municipalities and
Regional Districts in BC
The Government has also adopted and endorsed Incident Command System (ICS), as have
Health Regions within the Province.
BACKGROUND
BCERMS is based upon the Incident Command System (ICS) originally developed as a fire
response management system by various U.S. states. ICS has been widely adopted by first
responders and emergency management programs throughout North America.
The provincial government has endorsed this emergency management response system,
mandated its application for all ministries, all municipal and non-government agencies and all
Health Authorities.
PURPOSE
BCERMS provides a framework for a standardized process for organizing and managing a
response to emergencies and disasters within the province.
The components of BCERMS are:
Operations and Control:

A common organizational structure and control method for the management of
personnel, equipment, facilities and resources.

The system enhances communications between representative agencies in the
preparation and implementation of tactical response operations.

Provides a site response structure based on the Incident Command System plus
three levels of coordinated support and direction.
 Level 1 – Site Support
 Level 2 – Area Coordination
 Level 3 – Provincial Coordination
Qualifications:

Establishes a standard for the management of each functional area and level within
the emergency response management system.
Terminology:

Establishes the use of common terminology in support of emergency operations.
Training:

Mandates the training of designated personnel to meet the established standards.
NOTE: Training shall be delivered using this standard as well as the follow-on
operational guidelines for each of the three emergency management levels.
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DATE: MONTH YEAR
Publications:

Mandates distribution of a common set of forms, reports, instructional terminology
and other written material in support of the standard.
SCOPE
The Assisted Living Licensee/Manager or delegate shall understand the standards set out in
BCERMS and ICS.
These standards are also best practices for local authorities, other local governments, and
federal and provincial government agencies, First Nations, regional districts, other health
authorities and non-government agencies.
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OVERVIEW OF THE THREE BCERMS LEVELS
Level One - Site Support
The SEOC:

provides communication within the site level,

provides policy guidance,

manages the local multiple-agency support to the site level, and

acquires and deploys additional resources, obtained locally or requests support from
the provincial/area level.
Level Two - Area Coordination
The area regional coordination level (e.g. AEOC) acts in support of the site support level,
and:

Manages the assignment of multiple towns and areas and the response to individual
site support locations or multiple site support level locations within the area of
declared emergency

Acquires and deploys resources at the request of the site support level (SEOC), and

Requests emergency response services from Provincial Emergency Program (PEP)
where incidents cross local authority boundaries, or where local authorities are not
organized to fulfill their role.
Level Three - Provincial Coordination
The Regional coordination level manages the overall response, which includes the
provision of support for all municipalities and regional districts in the affected area, and:

seeks support of senior elected officials,

requests from the minister for a declaration of an emergency,

provides the affected area with policy guidance,

establishes priorities,

manages public information activities,

requests the acquisition and deployment of provincial, federal, inter-provincial and
international resources, and

provides coordination through a Provincial Regional Emergency Operations Centre
(PREOC).
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
BCERMS is a management system with a set of policies and guiding principles that apply to
all three levels.
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RESPONSE OBJECTIVES
BCERMS supports a prescribed set of response objectives set out in priority as follows to:

Provide for safety and health,

Save lives,

Reduce suffering,

Protect public health

Protect infrastructure,

Protect property,

Protect the environment, and

Reduce economic and social losses.
INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM
BCERMS has adopted many features of the Incident Command System (ICS) for application
at site, site support, area coordination, and coordination of the emergency response and
recovery of the affected area. The Incident Command System has been well tested in a
range of emergencies and is designed to provide an all-hazard single or multi-agency or
jurisdiction emergency response management framework.
MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS
BCERMS uses the five essential management functions of the Incident Command System.
These are:

Command,

Operations,

Planning,

Logistics, and

Finance/Administration.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
Command or Management
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Command
Liaison
Public Information
Safety
Operations
Section
Planning
Section
Logistics
Section
Finance/Admin
Section
MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES
The management by objectives feature means that each BCERMS level establishes
objectives to be achieved within a given time frame, known as an “operations period”. These
objectives always relate to the response goals stated earlier.
An objective is an aim or end of an action to be performed. It is commonly stated as “what”
must be achieved. Each objective may have one or more strategies and tactical actions
needed to achieve the objective. Strategies are commonly stated as “how” actions should be
performed. The tactics are the detailed steps of a strategy taken at the site level to achieve
objectives.
AGENCY EXECUTIVE POLICY GROUP
An agency executive or policy group, composed of senior management provides:

Guidance,

Overall direction and priorities for managing the emergency or disaster situation,

Parameters for expenditures,

Acquires/authorizes/requests additional outside support/resources,

Public information direction, and

Approves declarations of a state of health emergency and the delegation of
extraordinary power.
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DATE: MONTH YEAR
OPERATIONAL PERIODS
An operational period is the length of time set by command at the site level, and by
management at the other levels, to achieve a given set of objectives. The operational period
may vary in length and will be determined largely by the dynamics of the
emergency situation. An operational period may be designated to a maximum 24-hour
period.
ACTION PLANNING
All levels of BCERMS develop action plans to guide their activities during pre-impact,
response and recovery phases.
There are two general types of action plans in BCERMS. At the site level, verbal or written
incident action plans contain objectives, strategies and tactical assignments for one
operational period. At each of the three higher levels, action plans address the policies,
priorities and resource requirements that support the level immediately below as well as
direction across the affected area in larger emergencies and disasters.
For small incidents of short duration at the site level, the incident action plan may not be
written. However, when several jurisdictions or agencies are involved or the incident will
require changes in shifts of personnel over another operational period, an action plan should
be written.
At the site support (SEOC), area (AEOC) and the Provincial coordination levels (HAEOC),
the use of action plans provides personnel with direction or policy, prioritized objectives and
the steps required too achieve the objectives. Action plans are an essential and required
element in achieving objectives under BCERMS.
Action plans are developed according to a standardized process that assigns planning
responsibilities to specific organizational components. All action plans are approved by
Command (Incident Commander).
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX M:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Provincial Emergency Program
Role
The Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) is the emergency services organization start point
for provincial matters whose role is to:
 Coordinate the Provincial Government’s emergency response to emergencies that
occur within British Columbia.
 Prepare, distribute and maintain an emergency strategy which outlines the
responsibilities of all provincial ministries and agencies in an emergency situation.
 Advise and assist in provincial ministries and agencies and local government in the
development of emergency management programs and plans.
 Maintains a continuous emergency response and readiness capability.
Responsibilities
Major Emergencies or Disasters
The Provincial Emergency Program assumes the following responsibilities in the event
of a major emergency or disaster:

Coordinates all requests for provincial or federal emergency assistance.

Makes the appropriate request to the provincial ministries and agencies for
assistance if the VIHA’s resources are not adequate for an effective response to
the emergency.

Arrange for WORKSAFE BC coverage to registered emergency workers.

Recommends to the Provincial Government that a Provincial State of
Emergency be declared.

Provides and maintains a Provincial Public Information Program during all
phases of a disaster.
Emergency Contacts
 Phone
 Contact on radio
1-800-663-3456
149.495
Note: All Municipal Emergency Planners and the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP)
have been advised that, in order to contact either the VIHA Administrator On-Call
they will contact the Switchboard at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (370-8000) on all occasions.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX N:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES (ESS)
Planning and providing care for evacuees and emergency response workers is called Emergency
Social Services (ESS). Emergency Social Services can be reached via the Provincial Emergency
Program at 1-800-663-3456.
During a declared disaster, in which reception centres have been established within
municipalities, the VIHA will direct those persons requiring Emergency Social Services to those
locations.
Under the Emergency Preparedness Act, the Provincial Emergency Program is responsible for
assisting municipalities with planning and operating ESS. The PEP provides emergency
volunteers with training and consultation in developing their plans. During a disaster, Ministry
staff actively support local responders and insure that the costs of providing essential services
are paid promptly.
Local governments designate buildings to serve as Emergency Reception Centres. When an
emergency is declared and people are forced to leave their homes, the Reception Centre is
opened and staffed by volunteers who arrange for the provision of ESS.
If a neighborhood is evacuated due to flood, toxic spill, wild fire, earthquake or a similar calamity,
where do people go? Who would feed and shelter them? Help family members find each other?
Provide necessary information and support?
These essential services are:

Food & Lodging

Clothing

Registration & Inquiry

Personal Services
Several organizations work with the Provincial Emergency Program to develop a Provincial ESS
Support Team, augmenting local resources in a major disaster. These include:
 The Canadian Red Cross Society
 British Columbia Housing
 Salvation Army
 Restaurant & Food Services Association of British Columbia
 St. John Ambulance
 Telephone Pioneers Amateur Radio Club
 Emergency Social Services Association
 Mennonite Disaster Service
 Several Government Ministries & Agencies
 Christian Reformed World Relief Committee
In a major disaster, these organizations will meet in an operations centre from which they will
locate additional resources and dispatch them to the communities in need. These resources will
include materials, personnel, information and even additional ESS volunteers from other
communities.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
DATE: MONTH YEAR
Role


The primary responsibility of Municipal ESS is to plan for the short-term basic needs
of all individuals in the event of an emergency or disaster.
The Municipal ESS Director or alternate will participate in the activities of the EOC
within the municipality and reports to the Municipality’s Emergency Coordinator.
Responsibilities









Coordinate the opening and operations of designated Municipal ESS Reception
Centres for shelter.
Provide Registration & Inquiry in conjunction with the Red Cross.
Provide food to victims, volunteers and workers affected by the emergency or
disaster.
Provide personal services such as counseling and special needs as required.
Arrange for the distribution of basic clothing to those who require it.
Provide coordination, listing and recording of volunteer services.
Provide for secondary communications with amateur radio.
Maintain a log of all actions taken.
Provides essential services for all persons affected by an emergency or disaster.
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FACILITY NAME: EMERGENCY and DISASTER RESPONSE PLAN
APPENDIX O:
DATE: MONTH YEAR
COMMON EMERGENCY PLANNING ACRONYMS
AEOC – Area Emergency Operations Centre
An
Emergency
Operations
Centre
established and operated at the area level
in order to coordinate the response and
support of all VIHA SEOCs within it’s
jurisdiction and to liaison with the HAEOC.
BCAS – British Columbia Ambulance Service
ESS – Emergency Social Services
Emergency Social Services are those
Municipal services that are provided short
term (generally 72 hours) to preserve the
emotional and physical well-being of
evacuees and response workers in
emergency situations.
EOC – Emergency Operations Centre
A designated facility established by an
agency or jurisdiction to coordinate the
overall agency or jurisdictional response
and support to an emergency response.
BCERMS – Health Authority British
Columbia Emergency Response Management
System
The British Columbia Emergency Response
Management System is a comprehensive
management scheme that ensures a
coordinated and organized VIHA response
and recovery to any and all emergency
incidents.
The broad spectrum of
components
of
BCERMS
includes
operations and control management,
qualifications, technology, training and
publications.
HAEOC – Vancouver Island Health
Authority Emergency Operations Centre
A Health Authority Emergency Operations
Centre established and operated by Senior
Administration for the purpose of command,
control and coordination of the SEOCs, AEOC
and VIHA’s response to a disaster. The
HAEOC or AEOC liaises with Municipal,
Provincial
and
other
non-government
agencies on behalf of individual site needs
and that of the Authority as a whole.
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DATE: MONTH YEAR
ICS – Incident Command System
A standardized emergency management
concept specifically designed to allow its
user(s) to adopt an integrated organizational
structure equal to the complexity and
demands of single or multiple incidents,
without being hindered by jurisdictional
boundaries.
ESS – Emergency Social Services
The primary responsibility of Municipal
Emergency Social Services is to plan for the
short term basic needs of all individuals
impacted by an emergency or disaster.
PEP –Provincial Emergency Program
The Provincial Emergency Program is the
organization that is the start point for
coordinating the Provincial Government’s
emergency
response
within
British
Columbia.
PIO – Public Information Officer
The role of the Public Information Officer is
to provide approved media releases and
organize formal media briefings for senior
staff, to ensure management of media and
to help support the dissemination of
accurate and timely information.
PREOC – Provincial Regional
Emergency Operations Centre
An Emergency Operations Centre established
and operated at the regional level by
provincial agencies to coordinate provincial
emergency response efforts. The VIHA are
responsible for assigning a senior staff person
to a PREOC.
SEOC – Site Emergency Operations Centre
A pre-designated location at a site to
coordinate the site response and support in
an emergency.
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