The District of Saanich has an Emergency Plan Bylaw which outlines the local legislative framework for our municipal emergency plan. The Municipal Emergency Plan guides the municipality's actions to prepare for, respond to and recovery from major emergencies. The plan identifies the key hazards which threaten our community, priority actions to be taken, roles and responsibilities of staff, and key response agencies who also participate in the municipality's emergency response and recovery efforts.

In the event of a major emergency or disaster, Saanich’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) can act as a 24 hour mission control. There are over 100 Municipal Staff trained in Emergency Management who have identified roles in the staffing of our EOC. Exercises and training sessions are held several times a year to ensure Municipal staff are always at the ready.

PLANNING OVERVIEW
The District of Saanich has an Emergency Plan Bylaw which outlines the local legislative framework for our municipal emergency plan.

HAZARDS AND MITIGATION
Earthquakes, tsunamis, severe winter storms, pandemics and other hazards will impact our community, our economy and our daily life. Saanich has hazard specific action plans in place for the following events

RECEPTION CENTRES AND SHELTERS
Saanich's Recreation Centres are the designated primary emergency reception centres (shelters) in the event that residents need shelter, food, clothing, etc., following a major disaster.

EMERGENCY SOCIAL SERVICES
The Saanich Emergency Social Services Component is comprised of approximately 45 volunteers and is led by a part-time Emergency Social Services Coordinator.

SEARCH AND RESCUE
The Search and Rescue component of the Saanich Emergency Program is made up of approximately 40 volunteers.

COMMUNICATIONS
Our amateur radio emergency communications team has approximately 20 members who are able to provide emergency communications, should normal communications fail within the District of Saanich.