First Nations Emergency Services Society (FNESS)

The spring and summer of 2007 saw the province of British Columbia facing province-wide potential for severe flooding due to the combination of above average and record snow packs in most areas, extensive pine beetle devastation, and high forecasted temperatures. This, combined with additional rainfall prompted many flood watches, warnings, and high stream flow advisories. In response to this potential threat, FNESS contracted Global, to provide a consultant to visit First Nations Reserves in northern BC during the flood season. Our consultant joined one of several FNESS consulting teams, who held sessions with Band Council’s to inform them of the numerous flood planning, response materials, and supporting initiatives available to help them prepare and efficiently respond to such threats in their region. Discussions and information provided helped develop an understanding of inter-agency response, Emergency Social Services (ESS) processes, financial assistance, sandbagging instructions, family preparedness and health and safety best practices. Our consultant worked with many First Nations/Bands and Tribal Councils in both the North East and North West regions of the province to better prepare them for flooding and subsequent evacuations.