Emergency Preparedness

Since 1999 the RM of Springfield embarked on improvements to its emergency preparedness program, creating the Office of Public Safety, which amongst other duties, is responsible for the program. With the public’s increasing awareness of past and potential disasters, Council in recognizing the responsibility as a local authority continues to support the progress of the program.

Post 9-11, the province amended several statutes including the Emergency Measures Act. The Act now makes it mandatory for municipalities to be more responsible for emergency preparedness. In Springfield, the challenge was already being met pre-Y2K, and is still making advancements today.

For its efforts in 2004, the Rural Municipality of Springfield was accredited and received recognition for its excellence in emergency preparedness for the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization. 

RM OF SPRINGFIELD EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE

The EOC, with the support of the municipal Council and the guidance it’s Office of Public Safety, was established to respond to and mitigate large-scale emergencies and potential disasters. Some of it’s financing was made possible from a federal Joint Emergency Preparedness Program administered by the Manitoba Emergency Management Organization.

In this picture, the EOC is in a state of operational readiness, but is diversely set up in a boardroom or classroom setting used regularly for departmental training, and municipal conferencing or strategic planning. The RM of Springfield EOC has often served as a model for other Manitoba municipalities interested in Emergency Preparedness.

RM OF SPRINGFIELD EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM

In 1999, a total overhaul of the municipal emergency plan was completed, including resources and contingency plans, then in 2004 the Manitoba Emergency Measures standard was achieved, which lead to provincial recognition of Excellence in Emergency Preparedness and accreditation. The RM of Springfield Council, its Office of Public Safety and collaborative departments and agencies continue to revise the plan as required and strive for excellence in Emergency Preparedness.  

The Emergency Preparedness Committee

Consists of the municipal Council as a whole, Emergency Coordinator and department heads of police, fire/rescue, EMS and public works. Meetings are held on an as needed basis to partner in maintaining a state of readiness. Emergency Preparedness exercises may be tabletop or practical. Residents will be advised of practical exercises via this website and/or local media. Sites will also be clearly marked by means of a sign noting “Emergency Services Exercise”. 

Emergency Preparedness Information

The local lead department regarding Emergency Preparedness is the RM of Springfield Office of Public Safety. They can be contacted at (204) 444-4308. The provincial contact is the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization and can be contacted at (204) 945-3050, or visit their website at http://www.gov.mb.ca./emo/index.html for useful information on preparedness. 

Shelter-In-Place Information

Quick links to Shelter-In-Place and other Emergency Preparedness sites:

"Shelter-In-Place Program" link:  http://www.agrium.com/in_the_community/6294.jsp

"Create Your Own Shelter-In-Place Emergency Kit" link:  http://www.agrium.com/uploads/sip_emergencykit.pdf