EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION http://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/
The North-East Interlake Emergency Measures Region consists of three partners; Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton, Town of Arborg and RM of Fisher, and is governed by a Board representing the Councils of each of the communities. The purpose of the organization is to prepare for and manage serious emergencies or disasters. On a day-to-day basis, the program is administered by Municipal Emergency Coordinator Warren Toderan under the supervision of the North-Interlake Emergency Measures Board. The three part Municipal Emergency Plan (MEP) can be found attached to this article.
Manitoba's Interlake is ‘low risk’ for many of the natural phenomena that create problems in other parts of the world. The most likely emergency event is one caused by severe weather - tornado, blizzard, flood or ice storm, and/or a loss of electrical service. Manmade situations such as a hazardous materials spill or serious fire could also impact us.
You can help yourself by preparing for an emergency. Experts recommend that in an emergency situation residents be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. For seniors, it is important to have a ‘support system’. For further information, refer to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.
In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. The following is a basic emergency kit which can be kept in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels. Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is.
BASIC EMERGENCY KIT (sustainable for 72 hours)
- Water – at least two liters of water per person per day; include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
- Food that won’t spoil such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace food and water once a year)
- Manual can-opener
- Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries). Replace batteries once a year
- Crank, battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) or weather radio
- First aid kit
- Extra keys to your car and house
- Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills
- A copy of your emergency plan and contact information
- If applicable, other items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal (personalize according to your needs)
To receive warning of severe weather, residents should monitor Environment Canada’s Weather Radio broadcast station on frequency 162.400 MHz or visit "Public Alerts” on the Environment Canada website at https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html.
Warnings, including those for non-weather related emergencies, may be broadcast over commercial radio and television stations.
In the event of a hazardous materials spill, a fire or other event, you may be required to evacuate your residence.
The following is a checklist of items you should take with in the event of an evacuation:
- Money, credit cards, birth certificates, forms of identification, etc.
- Prescription Medications
- Infant Food & Diapers
- Clothing and Personal Hygiene Items
- Cell Phone, charger, power bank
- Pets; Leash, Food & Water (depending on urgency of the emergency)
In the case of an emergency do the following before leaving your home:
- Turn off water supply
- Turn off lights, applicances, etc.
- Do not turn off your furnace unless instructed to do so
- Lock your residence
If you are required to shelter in place, do the following:
- Stay Indoors
- Shut Off All Ventilation Devices
- Close & Seal Doors & Windows
- Close Fireplaces
- Drink Bottled Liquids From Sealed Containers
- Eat Food From Sealed Containers
Some situations will necessitate the use of volunteers. Persons with experience in social services, command post operations, police, medical, fire, military or similar service are invited to volunteer by submitting their names to the Municipal Emergency Coordinator. Training will be provided for those selected to assist in critical positions.
For further information or to contact us, call the Municipal Office at (204) 376-2391 or email us at