Eight BCSARA teams in northern British Columbia will receive $363,000 this year as part of the Province’s $10 million in one-time funding commitments to the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) to help bolster training, administrative support and equipment renewals.

The money received will go toward training for technical search-and-rescue responses, personal protective equipment to ensure team members are safe and other equipment that supports search-and-rescue operations.

The following BCSARA groups will receive funding:

• Fort Nelson Search and Rescue
• North Peace Search and Rescue
• Archipelago Search and Rescue
• Atlin Search and Rescue
• Kitimat Search and Rescue
• Prince Rupert Search and Rescue
• Stewart Search and Rescue
• Terrace Search and Rescue

The $10 million in BCSARA funding is distributed over a two-year period, based on the proposed alternative support model that was endorsed by its members. These funding allocations are given according to the needs of the local ground search-and-rescue teams to replace or update equipment, provide administrative support and pay for new or additional training.

This investment builds on the $6.3 million the B.C. government is already providing each year to cover ground search-and-rescue operational costs for deployment, as well as training and equipment costs, and the insurance and liability for the members of the 80 groups serving throughout B.C.

Quotes:

Minister of State for Emergency Preparedness Naomi Yamamoto –

“We are fortunate in British Columbia to have a beautiful and rugged landscape to explore, as well as a dedicated group of individuals who make serving the safety of others their passion. Although recreational and personal safety is everyone’s responsibility, it is comforting to know we have trained and dedicated volunteers at the ready.”

Pat Pimm, MLA for Peace River North –

“British Columbia’s Peace River Region is an incredible place to take in the great outdoors and raise a family, but many areas of our unspoiled wilderness hold inherent risk for those who are unprepared. We will continue to support emergency responders who help mitigate that risk and, in turn, the overall safety of British Columbians.”

BC Search and Rescue Association president Chris Kelly –

“BCSARA is pleased to disburse this funding to assist ground search-and-rescue groups in addressing their priorities; whether it be replacing critical equipment, gaining additional training or completing infrastructure work to improve response and keep members safe. We thank the Province for this funding and continuing to work with us to assist the search-and-rescue community.”

Learn more:

BC Search and Rescue Association: www.bcsara.com

PreparedBC: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc

Basic emergency kit supplies: http://ow.ly/4nrcp3

Household preparedness and neighbourhood preparedness guides: http://ow.ly/4nrcso

Emergency Info BC, B.C.’s official channel for emergency alerts: http://ow.ly/WCDbj

Follow on Twitter: @EmergencyInfoBC (twitter.com) and @PreparedBC (twitter.com)