Emergency Operations Centre looks for volunteers

Hanover Emergency Operations Centre is looking for volunteers to provide help in the event of a major disaster or major incident.

“It’s basically a committee that would operate this Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in the event of a major disaster. It’s something that rarely happens. We have never actually had a major disaster where we had to open up the EOC, but we have to be prepared for it,” said protective services manager and Fire Chief Paul Wiebe.

The EOC consists of five Hanover firefighters, administrative staff from the RM, and volunteers from the different communities. Wiebe would like to get at least one volunteer from each of the five communities in Hanover, but more would be better. There are four to five meetings a year.

“We’d love to have more people to increase our numbers in that area,” said Wiebe, noting that training will be provided by the RM.

Some events that might trigger the EOC into action include weather events like a tornado or ice storms where people lose power, flooding, or a train derailment.

“Any natural or manmade disaster would trigger a response from the EOC,” said Wiebe.

To volunteer with the EOC call Wiebe at 204-346-7130 or email paul.wiebe@hanovermb.ca.