3 minute read
Preparing to protect what matters most
Preparing and planning for emergencies can be daunting. Writing a plan is only the start point. Good preparation involves training for those who execute the plan, drills, exercises, learning from all of that (and from actual emergencies), and then ongoing plan updates. All of these activities can add significant responsibilities onto individuals whose essential purpose is to educate our youth. We aim to help you find the “Goldilocks Zone” where you do not do so much preparation that the delivery of education suffers but you do prepare enough to feel capable of managing through an emergency.
The emergency planning cycle
The BC Ministry of Education’s Emergency Management Planning Guide for Schools, Districts and Authorities (2015) outlines the five elements of the emergency planning cycle: planning, organizing and equipping, training, drills, and debriefing and revising the plan. The cycle offers a proven way forward through the wilderness of emergency preparedness and is an approach shared across industries and government.
The team at Ally Emergency Management Inc. collectively has over 100 years of emergency management experience. We have done everything in the emergency planning cycle. We have helped to identify risks and built plans to address them. We have advised on how to organize and equip to meet potential emergencies. We have trained individuals to develop skills and exercised teams of all sizes to practice and learn together. Ultimately, our greatest strength is to listen closely to our clients and develop tailored solutions for them: no two schools or school districts are alike, but we bring our experience to bear on your particular circumstances.
In many cases, those tasked with emergency management within school districts have other primary responsibilities. We have yet to meet anyone who is not interested in the safety of students, staff, or others under your care. Often, the biggest hurdles facing you are time, resources, or experience. The ongoing need to perform regular duties limits how far you can take your emergency program. This is where Ally can help.
Whether you are a school district, a 1,000+ student school, or a smaller education facility, Ally has the experience and flexibility to assist where you need it most. We can undertake the heavy lifting, addressing each element of the emergency planning cycle. If most of the heavy lifting is already done, we can help to enhance your capabilities and fill in any gaps.
Imagine having an ally to help you build a robust emergency management program – one that is tailored to your circumstances, one that is practiced, and
one that everyone feels confident in. When you work with the Ally team, this can be more than a vision, it can be the reality. Let Ally support you in your role as a leader in emergency management. It’s what we do, and it’s what we’re passionate about.
Some of our Allies
Ally has assisted a broad spectrum of clients ranging from large, highly complex organizations (e.g.: Vancouver International Airport, the University of British Columbia, Delta School District) through to smaller operations (e.g.: St George’s School, Collingwood School, Rocky Mountaineer). Our experience can help you to ensure that what matters most is protected when an emergency strikes. Reach out so we can explore ways that you can gain an ally.
Blue Call Out Box (using the premise of the emergency planning cycle as the central EM theme)
Ally Emergency Management Inc. offers a full suite of emergency management services: • Emergency planning • Advice for emergency programs • Personnel training • Drill and exercise planning and execution • Post-exercise and after-action reviews • Crisis communications
We have supported dozens of organizations across British Columbia. Reach out to discover ways we can help you be as prepared as possible when the moment comes. n
When preparing to protect what matters most, it’s good to have an Ally.
