700 MHz Public Safety Broadband Networking

On Friday, November 28th Port Coquitlam ESS presented Professor Peter Anderson and his presentation on the current state of emergency communications and the new 700 MHz Public Safety Broadband networking. 

This was a very worth while presentation where the attendees learned all about the current state of communications technologies and all emerging technologies such as the readily deployable 700 MHz Broad Band Networking that can be deployed when all current communications infrastructure fails.

Professor Anderson presented a very interesting slide show and invited the attendees to tour the AMECom mobile communications centre.


If you like a lot of digital, networking and communications equipment you would feel right at home in this truck

It is crammed full of gear!


More information on Professor Anderson and the SFU 700 MHz Broad Band Networking project can be found on the following websites: http://blog.oplopanax.ca/2014/10/future-public-safety-communications/  
http://www.sfu.ca/communication/news/news2013/peter-anderson-order-of-bc.html

EP KITS ARE NOW SOLD OUT!

Thanks to everyone who purchased one of our EP kits. They are now sold out in both locations.

SOLD OUT

You are invited

It's that time of the year again....

Emergency Preparedness Kits

A great gift idea for Christmas! Are you stuck for that last minute Christmas gift? How about an Emergency Preparedness Kit. Emergency Preparedness Kits are now available at Port Coquitlam City Hall (Finance counter) and Fire Hall #1 for $35.00 each, tax included ($70.00 value).  The Fire Hall can only take cash, City Hall will take debit, VISA, MC and cheque.

The kits will be sold on a first come, first serve basis and are designed to last for five years before the included perishable items need to be replaced.

PoCo EP Kit. $35.00 while they last

Are you ready for the "big one"?

Great British Columbia ShakeOut

  


Make sure to “Drop, cover and hold on” on October 16, 2014
Residents across the Tri-Cities are urged to join in the largest earthquake drill in BC history on October 16th at 10:16 am – the Great British Columbia ShakeOut, also referred to as ShakeOut BC.

What is ShakeOut BC?
Organized by the BC Earthquake Alliance Society, ShakeOut BC provides residents with an opportunity to practice the "Drop, Cover and Hold On" earthquake protocol and also make sure they are prepared for an earthquake at home, school, office and on the road.

Each year, about 5,000 earthquakes are recorded in Canada – many of these in the seismically active region around B.C. Most are small, but at least nine earthquakes in or near Canada have registered a magnitude of 7.0 or more in the past century.

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake could do extensive damage to the Tri-Cities. 
Why is it important to take part? 
Individuals who are prepared for a major disaster will suffer fewer injuries and less property damage, and be better equipped to care for themselves afterwards as authorities work to restore services. 

What's happening in the Tri-Cities?
The cities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody are conducting staff drills at 10:16 am on ShakeOut Day and are urging all Tri-City residents to hold drills in their homes, schools or workplaces.

The three cities, along with the School District 43, collaborate on emergency preparedness planning to ensure a coordinated response if a disaster occurs.

How to participate in ShakeOut BC:

• Visit www.shakeoutbc.ca to register as a participant and download resources (including sound effects to play during the drill and emergency preparation information).
• Encourage your family, neighbours and colleagues to take part in the drill.
• At 10:16 am on ShakeOut Day, practice the “Drop, Cover and Hold On" protocol:
  • Drop to the ground,
  • Take cover by getting under a desk/table (or cover your face and head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner of the building), and
  • Hold on for 60 seconds. During this time, look around and imagine what would happen during an earthquake. What could fall down on you or be damaged? Make note of tasks to conduct after the drill, (e.g. anchor large furniture pieces).
• Afterwards, practice what you will do after the shaking stops.

How to get prepared for an earthquake: 

• Do a “hazard hunt” for items that might fall during earthquakes, and secure them.
• Create a personal or family disaster plan (visit www.getprepared.gc.ca for information).
• Organize or refresh your emergency supply kits. Consider that you may not be home when an earthquake occurs, and that you may need to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours afterwards.
• Identify and correct any issues in your home’s structure.
• Visit www.shakeoutbc.ca for more actions.

Click for Port Coquitlam emergency preparedness tips and information, including free community courses. 


Contact:
Port Coquitlam Emergency Preparedness Office
Tel  604.927.5466
Fax  604.927.5406
Email  fire@portcoquitlam.ca 

The Great BC Shakeout

On October 16*, officially "ShakeOut BC Day," millions of people worldwide will practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On at 10:16 a.m. during Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills!

British Columbians can join by registering for the 2014 Great British Columbia ShakeOut.

Participating is a great way for your family or organization to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from big earthquakes – wherever you live, work, or travel.

For more information please visit http://shakeoutbc.ca/

Are you ready for an earthquake?

For more information:
http://embc.gov.bc.ca/em/hazard_preparedness/prepare_now/prepare.html

New bike pilot program part of disaster training for rescue volunteers in Vancouver

New bike pilot program part of disaster training for rescue volunteers in Vancouver

Emergency Communications

What Is EPCOM?

EPCOM refers to Port Coquitlam Emergency Preparedness Communications group. EPCOM’s Initiative is to involve amateur radio and other communication volunteers in Port Coquitlam and surrounding communities. EPCOM is limited to training in communications, but also holds training in ESS programs such as Rapid Damage Assessment, Emergency Social Services, Modules 1 & 2, Reception Center Operations, Family Preparedness and Light Urban Search and Rescue, to name a few.

EPCOM is a unique group of individuals, led by the youth in the community of Port Coquitlam, with the purpose of preparing and providing communications in an emergency situation as well as our home communities

For more information visit http://epcom.ca/

Port Coquitlam ESS on Facebook

We are proud to announce the creation of Port Coquitlam ESS' own Facebook page. Please come and visit us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Port-Coquitlam-ESS

Here you will find all the updates, comments and posts from our members and public alike. Visit us soon.

Water Safety

For many Canadian families, the arrival of summer means it’s time to hit the pool  or head to the lake for some swimming and boating. Sounds like a lot of fun! But did you know that every year, approximately 525 Canadians die needlessly  in unintentional water-related fatalities? The Canadian Red Cross wants you  and your family to always be safe in and around water. So take our quick quiz to  see how much water safety knowledge you have. You could learn something that ensures your family enjoys water activities safely  this summer, and the quiz might even help you prevent a drowning incident. We wish you and your family a fun – and safe – summer!

Congrats to Vasantha Aruliah

Congrats to Vasantha Aruliah who was recognized by Council tonight for receiving BC's Lifeline Volunteer of the Year Award as a 15 yr member of Port Coquitlam's Emergency Preparedness Program. Thanks for all the contributions, time and energy you've put in to making Port Coquitlam safer!

Welcome

Welcome to the new Port Coquitlam Emergency Social Services Blog

This is is where we will post all updates and happenings.