THE DEADLINE FOR INPUT IS FRIDAY JUNE 27TH 2014
As a result of the Auditor Generals Report last year the BC Government is now asking for input from the amateur radio community. Their request is as follows
BC Earthquake Consultation
Amateur Radio Participation
Background
The Government of British Columbia has initiated a consultation process to consider all aspects of earthquake preparedness and response.
The goal of this consultation is to provide recommendations, through discussion with key stakeholders, on improving the ability of British Columbians to prepare for and respond to a catastrophic seismic event. It will engage all levels of government as well as invite input and engagement from additional stakeholders.
It is known that ineffective communication is a consistent concern identified during response to emergencies and disasters. For this reason, the Terms of Reference for the consultation include an area of focus on Technical Emergency Communications and Warning Systems.
Historically, Amateur Radio has displayed an ability to provide vital communication following major disasters when established communications systems are either unserviceable or unavailable. For this reason, the Province is seeking the input and engagement of the Amateur Radio community in the earthquake consultation process.
Additional information on the earthquake consultation is available at the following link:
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/03/earthquake-consultation-to-improve-public-safety.html
Participation
All British Columbia residents who currently hold an Industry Canada Amateur Radio certificate are invited to comment through this request.
You may respond as an individual however, consolidated responses prepared by organized groups such as Amateur Radio clubs are encouraged.
Consultation Question
Please focus your response on the following question.
With respect to the readiness of the Amateur Radio community in BC to provide
vital communication during response to a catastrophic earthquake event:
– Where have we achieved success;
– In what areas do we need improvement.
Response
Your comments:
– Will preferably be composed and delivered by electronic mail;
– Should be organized in point form, focusing on the questions provided above.
Delivery
Electronic mail responses may be sent to the following address: earthquake.consultation@gov.bc.ca
Additionally, responses will be accepted by:
FAX
Please FAX your comments to: 250-952-4888
Please mail your comments to:
Emergency Management BC
Block A – Suite 200
2261 Keating Cross Road
Saanichton B.C.
V8M 2A5
Attention: AJ Bryan
Deadline
For inclusion in the earthquake consultation process, all responses must be received no later than end of
business on Friday, 27 June 2014.
Contact
Amateur Radio operators with questions regarding BC’s earthquake consultation process may contact
the following Emergency Management BC staff for information:
Mike Knauff Tel: 250-371-5268 (Kamloops)
AJ Bryan Tel: 250-952-4896 (Victoria)
Please send all electronic mail inquiries to the following address: earthquake.consultation@gov.bc.ca