Panoramic image of Deroche, BC

Emergency Management

Protecting our Community Before, During, and After Emergencies

Leq’á:mel First Nation Emergency Management Program helps protect our members, lands, homes, and infrastructure through planning, training, preparedness, response, and recovery. Our work is guided by the four pillars of emergency management: mitigation (prevention), preparedness, response, and recovery.

Contact Us

Emergency Alerts

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Leq’á:mel uses Connect Rocket to send urgent emergency notifications by phone, text, or email.

Use Connect Rocket for urgent alerts such as:

  • Flooding or sever weather notices
  • Wildfire-related alerts
  • Evacuation alerts or orders
  • Other urgent safety information

Where to Find Updates

During an emergency, information may be shared through:

For immediate emergencies, always call 911.

What We Do

Our Emergency Management work includes:

  • Emergency planning and preparedness
  • Fire Smart mitigation projects to reduce wildfire risk
    • E.g. controlled burns and vegetation management where appropriate
  • Community emergency awareness and education
  • Weather and hazard monitoring
  • Support for community preparedness events and training
  • Distribution of emergency preparedness materials and resources
  • Coordination with partner agencies and emergency responders

Helpful Links

Wildfire & Weather

  • Wildfire Service BC: Provides current wildfire updates, fire danger ratings, and evacuation information across British Columbia.
  • FireSmart BC: Offers practical tips and resources to help reduce wildfire risks around your home and community.

Emergency Preparedness

  • PreparedBC: Provincial resource with guides and tools to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies.
  • EmergencyInfoBC: Official source for real-time emergency alerts, evacuation notices, and public safety updates in BC.
  • Emergency Map BC: Use to zone in on your area of interest for more localized situations

Roads & Travel

  • DriveBC: Delivers up-to-date road conditions, closures, and travel advisories throughout British Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911 right away.

During emergencies, follow instructions issued by emergency responders and Leq’á:mel Emergency Management. Community updates and alerts may be shared through Connect Rocket, the Leq’á:mel website, and official community Facebook pages.

Leq’á:mel uses Connect Rocket to send urgent emergency notifications by phone, text, or email.

You can sign up or update your contact information here.

Community members can also download the Alertable app to receive additional emergency notifications and public safety alerts.

If you need assistance signing up or updating your information, please contact the Emergency Management office.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides short-term support to people impacted by emergencies or disasters.

Supports may include:

  • Temporary accommodations
  • Food and clothing
  • Basic personal supplies
  • Family reunification assistance
  • Emotional support and referrals

ESS support is generally intended for the first 72 hours following a disaster or evacuation

Yes. Emergency supports may be available to individuals and families affected by an emergency, whether they live on or off reserve, depending on the situation and available programs.

Evacuation Alert

An evacuation alert is an early warning that there is a potential risk to life or safety.

You do not need to leave immediately, but you should:

  • Gather important documents and emergency supplies
  • Make plans for pets, transportation, and family members
  • Stay informed and monitor updates
  • Prepare to leave at short notice if an evacuation order is given

Evacuation Order

An evacuation order means there is an immediate danger to life or safety and you must leave the area right away.

During an evacuation order:

  • Follow directions from emergency officials
  • Use designated evacuation routes
  • Register at reception centres if instructed
  • Do not return until the order has been officially rescinde

Every household should have enough emergency supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Your emergency kit should include:

  • Drinking water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Clothing and blankets
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Phone charger and backup power bank
  • First aid supplies
  • Prescription medications
  • Identification and important documents
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Cash and personal hygiene supplies

Remember to include supplies for children, Elders, and pets if needed.

For more information, visit PreparedBC

Recovery support depends on the type and severity of the emergency.

Support may include:

  • Recovery information and referrals
  • Damage assessment support
  • Clean-up and recovery resources
  • Assistance reconnecting with services or loved ones.

The Leq’á:mel Emergency Management team works with partner organizations and governments to help coordinate available supports and information during recovery

An emergency is a serious situation that can usually be managed using local resources such as fire, police, ambulance, or public works services.

A disaster is a larger-scale event that causes widespread impacts and overwhelms local response capacity, requiring additional outside assistance and coordinated recovery efforts.

Community members are welcome to call, email, or visit the Lands Office during regular office hours. Gord Armstrong, Leq’á:mel’s Emergency Management Coordinator, is available to meet by appointment or assist with general emergency preparedness information.

Emergency Management Contact Information:

Leq’á:mel First Nation Lands Building
41320 Lougheed Highway
Deroche, BC V0M 1G0

Email: gordon@leqamel.ca
Office: 236-602-4441 ext. 1116
Mobile: 778-539-1835

For immediate emergencies, always call 911.