What matters

Emergency Access and Evacuation

Harrison Hot Springs has a serious challenge when it comes to emergency access and evacuation. We rely heavily on one main route in and out of the Village.

My first priority is protecting the route we already depend on.

At the same time, I believe we need to continue looking seriously at options for another emergency route out of Harrison. We need to determine what is actually possible, what land or agreements would be required, what it would cost and whether outside funding is available.

But emergency preparedness is about much more than having another road or telling residents to keep a grab and go bag ready.

Residents need to understand the evacuation plan. They should know how they will be notified, where they are expected to go, what happens if our main route is threatened and how people who need assistance will be helped.

Residents should also have confidence that the trained professionals and organizations responsible for an emergency know the plan, have practised it together and are ready to put it into action.

Plans sitting on a shelf are not enough. Emergency exercises can identify problems, communication gaps and responsibilities before we are dealing with a real emergency.

Residents have a responsibility to be prepared, but so does their local government.

I believe we need to protect the route we have, continue working toward another way out, regularly practise our emergency plans and make sure residents know what will happen when those plans have to be used.

Preparedness means knowing the plan, practising the plan and being ready to act.