Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness Notes and Best Practices

Based on your feedback at our Annual Member Meeting last year, Safety and Emergency Preparedness topped the list of areas of interest. In response, the BICA Board organized an information session on Emergency Preparedness July 25^th, presented by North Shore Search & Rescue. Below is a summary of the information presented for those of you who were unable to attend and for everyone’s reference.

• Communication is essential.
  • It is great to have cell phone service to dial 911 but you should also plan on the event, “what if cell service is not available in my location”.
  • The most reliable option is to have a satellite messenger or emergency personal locater beacon (EPIRB/PLB) with you.
    • Satellite messengers do allow you to message.
    • While PLB’s can’t message back and forth, they are extremely accurate.When you hit the SOS beacon, a message will go out by satellite and emergency services will be activated and will find you.Some services such as Garmin require subscriptions.
    • For more information on types of satellite and PLB options here are some reference articles:
      • https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/personal-locator-beacons.html
      • https://cbr-rcb.ca/cbr/presentation/other_autre/faq.php

• Know your location.
  • When talking or messaging to emergency services it is essential to give your exact location.
  • Each camp should know their GPS coordinates and have those on the fridge emergency resource guide (provided by BICA). Note: island # is no longer effective.
  • Also, every camp should download the “What3Words” app and also include those 3 words for the camp location on the resource guide.
    • For more information on the What3Words app and how to use it, you can go to their site: https://what3words.com/how-to
  • With the app, you can also give your exact location if you are lost in the bush or in the Bay.

• Be skilled in First Aid.
  • In case of emergency, you are your biggest help! Even whenemergency services are activated, it can take extended time for them to arrive to our remote locations.
  • Everyone should take a first aid course.
    • Once you have completed basic first aid, you may consider a wilderness survival course for hiking/backpacking.
  • Ensure you have a robust first aid kit at your camp.
    • You may want to consider acquiring an AED/defibrillator device. Note: you need to be trained on how to use this device.
    • As a BICA/GBA member, you are entitled to discounts on AED’s. Please click this link to learn more.
  • Practice scenarios.
  • Resources in Canada and US for finding First Aid courses are below:
    • US Red Cross
    • Canada Red Cross
    • St. John Ambulance

• Have a plan and be prepared.
  • When boating or hiking be prepared before you go. A great resource is https://www.adventuresmart.ca/.
    • Post a “flight plan” with family/friends before you go
      • Leave a copy of where you are headed in your boat or car
    • Take an emergency backpack with the following:
      • Mini first aid kit
      • Whistle
      • Fire starter
      • Water/food
      • Mylar blanket
    • If you get lost, STAY PUT! It will make it much easier for Search & Rescue to find you.
  • Create a plan for your camp for various emergency scenarios
    • Know who is in the Bay near you and have a plan on who to call.
    • Discuss with your family and friends throughout the summer.
  • Consider having a “grab and go” bag for emergencies and rapid evacuations
  • Post the Emergency Contact Numbers sheet near your phone or on your refrigerator so everyone at camp can have easy access.
    • Familiarize yourself with the Fire Pump contact list

Additional Resources:

Information on Grab-and-Go bags

Essentials list for hiking