The Province is providing approximately $3.5 million for 110 projects to support local emergency operations centres throughout British Columbia.

The funding, administered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund,  will support and enhance the work of local emergency operations centres, including training, exercises and equipment to better support communities during emergencies.

“Emergency operations centres are the backbone of a co-ordinated response when an emergency happens,” said Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness.

“This funding will help local governments and First Nations with the equipment, training and exercises they need to run their emergency operations centres effectively, so communities throughout B.C. get the support they need as quickly as possible.”

An emergency operations centre (EOC) is where local government and First Nation staff and volunteers direct resources, co-ordinate with other partners and support first responders during an emergency.

The funding will help communities upgrade and strengthen the capacity of local EOCs, improving co-ordination and response during emergencies.

In addition to emergency operations centres equipment and training, it also allows for public notification and evacuation route planning, and foundations of disaster risk reduction.

This fund is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.