Health Emergency Response and Personal Preparedness

Last updated on September 13, 2021

The Emergency Program Act requires the Ministry of Health, health authorities and the B.C. Ambulance Service to develop, implement, and test their emergency and business continuity plans. These plans include an all-hazards approach in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from a wide range of emergencies and disasters.

All provincial health emergency plans are consistent with the guidelines and protocols of the B.C. Emergency Response Management System integrated response model. These plans also recognize the highly-specialized and complex requirements of health service delivery during emergencies.

Ministries and agencies also develop and implement comprehensive Business Continuity Plans. These preparedness plans ensure the timely resumption and availability of essential services, programs and operations in the event of an interruption of service.

For more information please see the following:

Ministry of Health Policies:

Colour Code Policy (PDF, 483KB)

B.C.'s central resource for emergency preparedness information.

Visit Emergency Info BC for information about active emergencies in British Columbia.

The BC Centre for Disease Control maintains a list of public health alerts within B.C. Take charge of your health and learn more.

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

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