Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Communications
In times of crisis, the rapid spread of misinformation can be detrimental. At such critical junctures, a trustworthy and validated source of information becomes paramount. The Seabird Communications Program stands as a beacon of reliability during emergencies, thanks to our dedicated and certified Emergency Information Officer operating from our Emergency Operation Center (EOC). We collaborate closely with the Seabird Emergency Preparedness Committee and the Kent Harrison Joint Emergency Preparedness Committee to ensure that our community receives the most accurate, up-to-date, and timely information.
Our commitment to keeping the public well-informed extends to all phases of an emergency event—before, during, and after. We craft precise key messages and media releases to effectively communicate with the public, media outlets, and internal stakeholders. Utilizing a range of communication mediums, we disseminate essential information and educational resources to empower our community.
Our scope covers various emergency scenarios, including but not limited to winter storms, wildfires, heatwaves, atmospheric rivers, earthquakes, pandemics, floods, land slides, and more. Trust Seabird Communications to be your reliable source during times of uncertainty.
Emergency Notices
Aug 1, 2024
ALERT
August 1, 2024
Chilcotin River Landslide.
Be Mindful Around the Fraser River, the water may rapidly get higher than normal and may contain debris.
Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) released a bulletin regarding a landslide on the Chilcotin River. This river is a major tributary to the Fraser River and there is concern about a sudden release of water due to the landslide. This landslide is currently completely blocking the river and creating a “dam” effect. The fear is that the water will over-top the landslide “Dam” and erode the land causing an uncontrolled release of water. This has been identified as a hazard for the lower Fraser River from Hope down that we could see a high water impact. From Hope up they are on a Flood Watch. For us this may not look like flooding, but rather a higher-than-normal Fraser River for this time of year.
Band Members using the Fraser River for fishing or recreating please use extreme caution while doing so.
If there is a release of water from the “dam” this will likely cause a quick rise in the Fraser River accompanied with debris floating. With Fish Camps in August please note that those areas could be impacted!
This event will be monitored closely, and updates will be released as information is shared from the province.
Below is the information released by EMCR:
- Flood Warning – Chilcotin River upstream of Farwell Canyon
- Flood Watch – Chilcotin River, Fraser River from Chilcotin River to Hope
- High Stream-flow Advisory – Fraser River downstream of Hope
Issued: 4:00 PM July 31, 2024
The River Forecast Centre is issuing a Flood Warning for:
- Chilcotin River upstream of landslide in the vicinity of Farwell Canyon
The River Forecast Centre is issuing a Flood Watch for:
- Chilcotin River downstream of the landslide in the vicinity of Farwell Canyon
- Fraser River from the Chilcotin River confluence downstream to Hope
The River Forecast Centre is issuing a High Stream-flow Advisory for:
- Fraser River downstream of Hope
July 7, 2024
HEAT ALERT | Forecasted from Sun, July 7 through Wed, July 10, 2024
Seabird Chief and Council and the Emergency Preparedness Team are working together on various options on how to stay safe and stay cool during the high temperatures that we will be experiencing over the next few days.
Today (Sunday, July 7th) the Health and Elders Teams will be reaching out to various Community Members to discuss options during this Heat Alert.
Please check in with your Elders, young families, neighbours and those with health conditions.
Stay tuned for ongoing communication, supported by Council and Administration, on various cooling options for additional services and programs that will be developed and considered based upon needs.
For questions, contact 604-796-2177 Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4 PM.
HEALTH QUESTIONS AFTER HOURS:
Bonnie Nickel at 604-795-0297 or by email at Bonnie@seabirdisland.ca
Heat Alert | EOC Heat Wave (Family Tips) | EOC Baby Care pg.1 | EOC Baby Care pg.2
March 14, 2024
PASSENGER TRAIN DIESEL SPILL – March 1, 2024
COMMUNITY UPDATE
All 6 monitoring wells around the site were tested
- No hydrocarbons were found in the water
- Water flow from the area is towards the southeast, away from residential areas
- Water sampling and testing will continue indefinitely.
- Remediation digs were conducted between each set of tracks.
For immediate concerns or questions, please contact Seabird Island’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Danika Snook @ (604) 202-0834
As more information becomes available, updates will be shared via the Seabird Island Facebook page.
SIB Administration and Emergency Management
March 13, 2024
2ND COMMUNITY Q&A SESSION DIESEL SPILL FROM PASSENGER TRAIN
Join us at the 2nd Community – Question and Answer Session
Sunday March 17, 2024
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Band Office Main Board Room
or on TEAMS:
Meeting ID: 286 857 224 265
Passcode: bwWi89
For immediate concerns or questions, please contact Seabird Island’s Emergency
Preparedness Coordinator, Danita Snook @ (604) 202-0834
As more information becomes available, updates will continue to be shared via
main Seabird Island Facebook page.
We look ofrward to seeing everybody at the meeting.
SIB Administration and Emergency Management
March 8, 2024
Community Update – Diesel Spill From Passenger Train!
- All fourteen (14) homes had their water tested
- No hydrocarbons where found in the water
- Water Advisory remains in effect, until further notice
- Ongoing monitoring and testing will continue for the time being.
For immediate concerns or questions, please contact Seabird Island’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Danika Smock @ (604) 202-0834
As more information becomes available, updates will continue to be shared via main Seabird Island Facebook page.
– SIB Administration and Emergency Management
Jan 17, 2024
Community Notice
Snow is expected to continue into Wednesday afternoon. Freezing rain is expected to start midday Thursday and continue through the day Friday before temperatures rise above freezing.
Jan 16, 2024
Weather Update!
Heavy snowfall is expected to begin late this evening with overnight temperatures reaching a low of -4°C. Continuing until late afternoon tomorrow, please remain mindful that the snow may cause structural damage, power line issues and/or difficulty with shoveling/snow removal.
Please refer to BCHydro.com for power outage information.
Jan 15, 2024
Yellow Alert!
There is a snowfall alert for tomorrow afternoon and tonight! Heavy snow is expected, which will impact the ability to drive safely. In light of these conditions, we advise all community members to take precautionary measures!
Heating Pump and Well Maintenance
With winter temperatures dropping, we want to remind you of the importance of keeping your home warm throughout the nights to safeguard against freezing pipes.
