EMERGENCY RISK REDUCTION

British Columbia is ablaze! As you may be aware, the province is blessed with enormous tracts of forest. This brings in the tourists, to see some amazing vistas. But, in June 2017, it has brought in the firefighters and water bombers. This is a cyclical, seasonal occurrence and some years are worse than others. This year may be one for the record books. Usually July and August are the wildfire months, but it’s only June. Depending on weather patterns, we may be in for a long summer.

The fires are in the ‘interior’ of BC. In ranch country. The epicenter of the fires is Williams Lake, population approx. 10,000. Only a few weeks ago, I attended a three-day rodeo there — one of the last large, authentic ‘stampedes’ left in the province, because of the numerous ranches in the area. Amazingly fun, but little did I know that only days after leaving town, the town would be threatened and now is completely evacuated. To date, 36,000 people in BC are under evacuation order.

Of course, human safety is paramount in fire events, and there are many resources that focus that way. My interest is in the animal safety, specifically farm animals. My colleague and I have written planning documents from the BC livestock industry, including preparation and response from wildfires. However, human nature is such that home and family planning for disasters is often delayed — much less interest in planning for emergency farm animal relocation.

I am not involved in an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) but have been following with interest how animal agencies and districts are responding. Of the five districts with wildfires, only one has issued a ‘fact sheet’ for animal relocation. Of numerous farm animal agencies, two have at least some emphasis on relocation — the beef industry and the horse crowd. Maybe there are others.

But what is noteworthy is the increasing use of social media in emergencies, including animal evacuation. As mentioned, there’s lukewarm interest in advanced planning, but during a response, literally hundreds of people on Facebook or websites are offering to transport or host livestock. It’s become organic and self-perpetuating.

I am presently involved in some flood response planning for the dairy industry, with some resistance. Therefore I’m interested in this social media approach – setting the stage for tools that can easily be engaged during a flood event. Then step back and let those that need help connect with those who can provide assistance. Where, with what, and for how long.

This is my latest idea, and I will keep you informed.  Meanwhile, we’ll pray for a soaking rain to come soon in the BC interior.

Thanks for reading.