Current Burning Permissions
Effective 12 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026 the Category 1 open fire (campfire) prohibition in the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction will be rescinded. There remains a Category 2 and Category 3 Fire Ban.
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Neighbourhood Program
Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Teams
Experience shows that in a disaster, 80% of your help comes from your neighbours and that neighbourhoods naturally come together in times of crisis. The Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness program provides neighbourhood communities with information, training, and skills to be self-supporting for a minimum of 7 days following a disaster.
Emergency Management Cowichan has tools and support available to groups who ready to build a NEP Team including a step-by-step guide (coming soon), a presentation, a map of your neighborhood and other free materials to support your neighbourhood’s preparedness journey.
The NEP Program in Six Simple Steps
- Get Personally Prepared
Talk to the neighbours closest to you (about 10 – 20 homes) and invite them to become prepared for emergencies. - Identify a Champion
Neighbourhood champions are the people willing to spread the word, rally their neighbours, and share materials available from EMC. They come from all different backgrounds but share a passion to make their community a safer place. - Host a Meeting
Organize and invite members of your neighbourhood to a community meeting (flyers available from EMC). The meeting can be in someone’s yard or home or virtually (zoom meeting). Call 250.252.6449 or email to ask for a presentation from EMC – We will provide an overview of emergency preparedness, how to become a more resilient neighbourhood.
- Establish a Leadership Team for Your Neighbourhood
Use an established leadership group (strata board, residential board, etc.) or set up a new one. This group will help ensure the plan is developed and maintained and will help to guide new members as they join your neighbourhood so everyone can be ready! - Build a Plan
- With the help of a template from EM Cowichan and with your neighbours, identify the top three hazards within your area.
- Learn about preparedness tips to help reduce overall risks.
- Map important information about your neighbourhood.
- Share contact details and identify resources within your community that can help your neighbourhood when disaster strikes.
- Maintain The Plan
Sign up for the free training provided and continue developing your community spirit. Meet at least annually with your community to review and update the plan, take training and answer questions about preparedness.
Special thanks to Comox Valley Regional District for their inspiration and support to develop this content.
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