1989

Pacific Region responds to oil spill emergency
by Marguerite Trommeshauser


The Department's emergency response team in the Pacific Region was put to the test this winter, following an oil spill off the remote western coast of Vancouver Island.


Regional Emergency Preparedness Co­ordinator Frank Tusko was in the regional office January 2 (a government holiday) when a call was received from Environment Canada requesting emergency telecommunications equipment.


The Region's Emergency Telecommunications Plan was activated. Amphitrite Point had been chosen as the operational control centre site, an area in close proximity to the spill and yet difficult to access because of rugged terrain. With the co­operation of the provincial telephone company, B.C. Tel, four telephone lines and sets were provided to the site within five hours of the initial request.


The Department must ensure the efficient provision of adequate telecommunications support in response to emergencies. What is needed, where and how it can be obtained, how it can be delivered and how it is to be maintained or restored are points that the Department of Communications must address in every circumstance.


Regular meetings of the Pacific Region Emergency Telecommunications committees keep the members current on emerging issues and the latest technologies for use in handling emergency situations. As Frank Tusko says: "The purpose of planning and exercises is to command the future and not be commanded by it."

 

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