Summer is coming and Clearwater Emergency Support Services team has made some changes to its meeting format to help it prepare.
At the monthly ESS meeting in April, members voted to extend the meeting to 90 minutes. There was just not enough time available in the one hour format to comfortably cover a training topic.
The other significant change was to set the meeting for the third Wednesday of each month. These meetings are held at the Centennial Building (DOC Public Works yard) on Station Road beside Fleetwest, from 5 – 6:30 p.m.
During the first meeting in the new format, the team worked on organizing a reception center in the meeting room. It can take several people to set up and operate an RC; having properly trained personnel is crucial during emergencies. The team needs to be able to set up an RC in any place, as the location of the RC will depend on the event.
Reception Centers are locations designated as safe gathering places for people displaced from their homes as a result of an emergency or disaster. At these facilities, people can register, receive short term assistance and obtain information about the event.
One of the bonuses for those attending the last meeting was a delicious pot of chili and fresh buns. Along with coffee and tea, a plate of cheese and crackers also appeared and disappeared.
The Clearwater ESS team is always looking to add new members. If you are interested, you can contact director Grant Gale at 250-674-3112 or co-director Cheryl Thomas at 250-674-3260.