Public Safety

MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

St. Paul's Regional Emergency Management Agency (REMA) is responsible for the planning, coordinating and supporting emergency agencies and resources during major emergencies and disasters. REMA is established under the following Bylaws:

County of St. Paul No. 19 - Bylaw No. 2014-30
Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay - Bylaw No. 117/2019
Town of St. Paul - Bylaw NO. 1209
Town of Elk Point - Bylaw No. 731/14

REMA works with all departments, utility companies. other municipalities and non-profit groups to prepare, respond and recover more quickly when disaster occurs. The REMA manages the Region's Emergency Management Plan and six sub-plans which identifies the Region's resources and organization in the event of an emergency or disaster. The entire process and readiness of Emergency Management is complied in those series of plans. The REMP is the master document developed by various Agencies such as Police, Fire, Municipal Works and Emergency Social Services. The Director and all the agency representatives of the various essential services agencies meet on an annual basis to discuss and refine plans.

An all hazards Approach was taken to understand the potential hazards we could be faced with in the Region of St. Paul. We looked back at past incidents, we looked at our current status now, and have tried to be proactive in looking ahead at those potentials for the future. The main plan was developed using the hazards identified in the hazard assessment. The plan is now in place and is ready should it be required. As the plan is a living document and always requires updates and upgrades, it is never 'done', but it is ready to support our Region.

The Emergency Management Committee

The Emergency Management Committee is made up of councillors from each municipality and has the responsibility of designating a Director of Emergency Management and mandating their responsibilities. The Director is responsible for:

ensuring that risk analysis are conducted
a mobilization plan is crafted and maintained
regular planning meetings are scheduled
the plan is exercised routinely

How To Be Prepared for an Emergency

Know the risks that can happen in your area. In Alberta, a tornado can strike quickly, wildfires can threaten communities and heavy rains can cause flooding. When an emergency occurs, family members may not be together and could be at school, home or work. It's important to sit down with your family and make your own emergency plan so that each family member knows what to do if an emergency occurs.

Planning is Simple!

1. Identify the risks:

Prepare a list of the most common risks in our region and learn about the possible consequences of those risks. Then walk around your house and identify dangers like heavy pictures hung loosely, toxic products, and so on. Take any necessary corrective steps to secure your possessions and your home.

2. Prepare your family emergency plan:
Choose an out-of-area contact, someone each member of the family can call, text or e-mail in case of an emergency. This person can help family members stay in touch and get back together if they are separated. Be sure to pick someone who is far enough away so as not to be effected by the same situation. Decide on temporary accommodation - such as a friend's place or hotel - where you can stay for a few days in case you are evacuated. This may also be where you will meet if you are separated during a disaster. When choosing your shelter, remember that bridges may be out and roads may be blocked. (Don't forget to plan for your pets; they are not always welcome in emergency shelters or hotels.)

3. Practice as a family at least once a year:
An emergency can happen anytime, anywhere. Practice often helps people feel less disoriented and better organized in case of a disaster - even in the middle of the night or the middle of winter.

Stay Safe and look out for one and other.

Regards,

Rob Duffy
Regional Director of Emergency Management