Merritt receives grant funding to modernize emergency support services

Thanks to a $7.5 million top up to the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), seven more local governments and First Nations communities have had structural flood mitigation projects approved, helping them reduce the impacts of flooding.

As well, 48 communities will receive their share of $1.7 million through the Emergency Support Services (ESS) stream, which targets projects that build local emergency management capacity through volunteer recruitment, retention and training, including in-house training, and the purchase of ESS equipment.

The City of Merritt is set to receive $24,349 to help modernize the city’s emergency support services.

“The team currently trains for emergency events and the response required to those in need during those events. The team also needs these electronics to complete the Evacuee Registration & Assistance Tool training. This switchover from paper based to electronic forms is part of the ESS Modernization Project,” wrote Sky McKeown.

“When the need arises, the team members are also called upon to assist surrounding First Nation and TNRD Communities. Transitioning to electronic documents will also assist in those situations,” added McKeown.