Neighbourhood Emergency Program

After disasters or during other major emergencies, previous experiences have revealed that emergency services response can be delayed for over 72 hours. During disaster situations, experience has also shown that neighbours naturally come together to help one another. Learning how to be prepared can be crucial.

The Shuswap Emergency Program is actively supporting Neighbourhood Emergency Program (NEP)  groups in our area. To find out more about how to start a NEP group in your neighbourhood, contact 250-833-5927 or email the Shuswap Emergency Program.

The purpose of the Neighbourhood Emergency Program (NEP) is to ensure that Emergency Preparedness is well practiced in the area where it will be most effective - our communities, neighbourhoods and homes. This is accomplished by providing information which can assist neighbourhoods identify their local skills and resources to ensure they are more organized to effectively deal with a disaster.

How is a Neighbourhood Defined

A neighbourhood is defined in many ways: a small community, a block of single-family homes, a co-op complex, strata, an apartment building, mobile home park or other groupings of families.

Benefits of NEPs

NEPs can assist you and your neighbours plan to become more resilient to disasters by:

• Identifying potential hazards and their impact
• Preparing a neighbourhood response plan
• Learning what existing local resources are available
• Promoting training in personal preparedness (e.g., first aid, fire suppression…)
• Learning how to report neighbourhood status to the Emergency Operations Centre.

Although many natural disasters cannot be prevented, we can mitigate their effects through preparation.

Map of Current Neighbourhood Emergency Programs