There is a new lead of Emergency Support Services in Prince George.
The City and the Red Cross have entered into an agreement that will now see the Red Cross become the lead organization in the city that will deliver emergency services.
"The Red Cross is a premier organization in the world for providing emergency support services and post-discovery services," Mayor Lyn Hall says in a release. "Our community - local residents as well as city staff who support emergency response - will benefit significantly from the experience and expertise that the Red Cross brings. On behalf of Council, thank you to the Red Cross for supporting our community and taking the lead on providing local emergency support services."
The agreement comes as part of ongoing planning by the city in enhancing local emergency preparedness.
Through the partnership, the Red Cross will also help the city in larger events such as the recent 2018 and 2017 wildfire seasons that saw thousands of people forced from their homes and seeking help in Prince George.
As a result, the Red Cross is already beginning to increase the volunteer numbers in the city.
"Red Cross Emergency Support Services volunteers will receive specialized training, allowing them to integrate into local emergency structure, Elysia Dempsey, Director of Emergency Management for the Canadian Red Cross adds in the release. "We look forward to supporting the City of Prince George in this new capacity."
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can sign up at RedCross.ca or attend an upcoming information session on Thursday (July 25), 7 p.m. at the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre.
