The City of Maple Ridge leads the initial response to emergencies and disasters in our community.
Maple Ridge Emergency Management Program
The City of Maple Ridge is responsible for developing and maintaining emergency plans that help our community prepare for, respond to, and recover from disaster. The Emergency Management Program Bylaw establishes the legislative framework for these municipal plans.
The City of Maple Ridge maintains the Emergency Management Organization to ensure the safety of citizens when a situation escalates beyond the first responder level. Guided by an appointed Emergency Planning Committee, the Emergency Program plans and prepares for emergencies, educates public about preparedness, ensures readiness of the Emergency Operations Centre and coordinates local volunteers engaged in Emergency Support Services.
Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
In the event of an emergency or disaster, the City of Maple Ridge may activate the Municipal Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The Emergency Operations Centre is "mission control" during a major response where key municipal personnel and other agencies involved gather to support activities taking place at the site(s) of the emergency.
For a more efficient response, the City of Maple Ridge and City of Pitt Meadows may combine EOCs into one location if both municipalities are impacted.
The EOC does not command or control on-scene response efforts, but does carry out important support functions through:
- Collecting, evaluating and disseminating incident information such as public alerts and notifications;
- Analyzing jurisdictional impacts, maintaining maps and display boards, and setting priority actions;
- Managing requests, procurement and utilization of resources;
- Coordinating and liaising with federal, provincial and other local governments as well as other agencies involved in the response;
- Planning for the continuance of government.
The level of Emergency Operations Centre staffing varies with the specific emergency, but each individual is properly trained on what the EOC is, how it supports events and what to expect when called to work an activation. The City of Maple Ridge staff and volunteers regularly test the activation, set-up, and operation of the EOC to ensure its constant readiness and effectiveness.
Become a key member of the Emergency Support Services team by volunteering.
Hazards to Our Community
The City of Maple Ridge has identified the following hazards and determined the potential impact to our residents, infrastructure, city operations, environment, and businesses. We’ve provided information and resources to prepare for these emergencies.