When disaster strikes, the Stettler Regional Emergency Management Agency (SREMA) wants to look to local businesses first.
On Wednesday, May 13, SREMA, alongside the Stettler Regional Board of Trade & Emergency Management Logistics (EML) Canada, toured local businesses to recruit them for a digital platform designed to streamline emergency response.
The initiative stems from lessons learned during Alberta’s 2023 wildfire season.
SREMA Emergency Manager Clint Simes noted that when communities are evacuated, local resources often sit idle while outside help is brought in from major hubs like Calgary or Edmonton.
“Local business owners that wanted to be a part of that had resources, wanted to be engaged,” Simes said of past crises.
“Seeing all these outside resources now coming in, obviously [they were] upset about why they get brought in when this is our community.”
The EML Canada Platform
To bridge this gap, SREMA is utilizing the EML Canada platform.
The online database allows local businesses to proactively register their available supplies, equipment & services.
In the event of an emergency, ranging from a tornado to a train derailment, emergency managers can quickly locate & contact local vendors.
Registration is free for local businesses & community organizations.
Byron Geddes of the Stettler Regional Board of Trade noted that Stettler’s concentration of heavy industry & oilfield equipment vendors were key contacts to make during this tour.
Other groups that were sought after included churches or halls to serve as temporary gathering spaces.
Auction markets or large farms to house displaced livestock, as well as available general laborers during the early onset of an incident were also highlighted as important resources.
The business tour was also a chance to launch a window sticker program.
The decals provide a visual cue to the public that the business is an active partner in local emergency management.
Upcoming Information Session
For business owners in Stettler and surrounding communities who wish to learn more, SREMA & the Board of Trade are hosting an upcoming public information session at the Stettler Ramada.
That will be held on Wed, May 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Local businesses interested in registering immediately can do so by visiting the EML Canada website and selecting the free membership tier to build their local profile.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
