In light of the recent events in Lac-Megantic, Que., in which a train carrying crude oil derailed in the middle of the town of about 6,000 residents, there may be some wondering about the procedures in the face of a similar disaster in Estevan.
Anyone who has spent time in the community knows there are a number of trains rolling through the Energy City each day carrying crude oil and other substances labeled as dangerous goods. A derailment occurred in the city in August 2004, involving six cars carrying anhydrous ammonia. About 150 people were removed from their homes for a couple of days following the incident.
Another derailment occurred near Oxbow earlier this year, following a collision between a truck and rail car, causing 22 cars to derail and crude oil to spill.
Those incidents were ultimately disaster-free, with no serious consequences to the community at large, but it is a reminder that Estevan isn't immune to a potential disaster similar to that in Quebec. While hoping it doesn't happen and taking every precaution to make sure it doesn't, it's still important to be prepared.
Estevan does have plans for just such an event. These scenarios are played out regularly as the city's emergency units meet monthly to discuss what plans are in place should something go horribly wrong.
Helen Fornwald, Emergency Measures Organization co-ordinator for the City of Estevan, noted there are almost 40 different agencies that sit in on these monthly meetings, from police and fire services to representatives of St. Joseph's Hospital and the Salvation Army.
It's a logistical issue just keeping everyone on the same page, so communication between each agency is key.
"When you have that amount of people, it is challenging to make sure you get the same message out," she said, regarding the large number of agencies that must spring to action if a disaster strikes.
"Every time we go through a disaster event, we record the emergency response. It's a continuous learning process," said Fornwald about how regularly emergency plans are revisited and revised. "When an event strikes, we certainly take a look and make sure we try to be prepared. You can't be prepared for everything that comes, but we do our best to be as prepared as possible."
Each year, table-top exercises are run for the EMO, and every few years a live mock disaster is set up.
"We get all our agencies together, we have observers that come from Regina, and what happens is everybody sits down, we have a situation and then we have inputs into it," said Fornwald, adding that the timeline and scenarios are played out step by step. "Then each agency, as things pertain to their area, have to deal with (the problem)."
Fornwald plans out the scenarios that will be worked through each year. This year's disaster involved a plane crash at the Estevan airport.
"It was great because a lot of people in our agencies weren't familiar with the airport, the lobby and the hangars. It was a great learning experience," she said, noting airport personnel were on hand to provide their expertise of the buildings and grounds.
This year, she said they are also looking at their emergency response plans with CN and CP Rail. Dealing with the two rail companies that pass through the area daily, the parties share information about their emergency response plans and work together to see how each plan may be complemented by the other.
Willow Park Greens was evacuated in June 2011 when the water in the Souris River rose well above its banks and threatened the mobile home community. Evacuation plans are prepared for the entire city if such a drastic measure needs to be taken.
"We have a procedure that we do follow when we evacuate," said Fornwald. "In the event that we need to evacuate, we set up at the fire hall if that's the proper location, and the emergency is not in that area."
Then it's a matter of getting the information out to residents, which would be done via radio and online through social media networks as well as calls throughout the neighbourhoods. There is an evacuation route map for all residents available on the City's website. She said those routes should be strictly adhered to, as taking a shortcut may interfere with emergency responders.
The evacuation would be led by Estevan Police Services, and Estevan Fire Rescue Services would provide assistance as necessary. Tuning into local radio stations would be important, as that's where local reception centres would be identified.
Reception centres are set up at the Estevan leisure centre and Estevan Comprehensive School. Fornwald noted that in 2011, those evacuated from Willow Park Greens were moved to the leisure centre.
In the event an evacuation is required, she suggested all residents should have an emergency kit prepared and ready in their homes, complete with food, water, clothing and any other necessary personal items.
If there is an evacuation, she also said, it's important to leave a note at your home letting authorities know when you left and where you went.
There are several steps to take to ensure your home is safe during an evacuation. Shutting off any cooking appliances like an oven is important. If time allows, turning off the main electrical switch, water supply and natural gas will help as well, and she said everyone should, of course, lock their doors behind them.
