Resources for Tourism Operators & Communities for Emergency Situations
Here are some important resources for communities, marketing organizations and tourism operators to use to communicate with guests and prospective visitors, and to plan and be prepared for emergencies.
Emergency Management Specialist
Kootenay Rockies Tourism Emergency Management Specialist, Corrine Bundschuh, has joined the KRT team for a term position to March 31, 2025 with a mission to facilitate and support the development of a strong tourism industry in the region that will support and grow a sustainable regional visitor economy that benefits and provides residents with amenities and services that improve their quality of life.
The approach is comprehensive and grounded in four pillars of social responsibility; businesses, communities, culture and the environment. Corrine plays a pivotal role in assisting with the development of emergency management plans and engaging with community leaders to build an understanding and consensus of the critical role of being prepared for, and responding to, emergencies. She is responsible for facilitating and updating the emergency management plan for the region and engage with all levels government, rights holders, stakeholders, community leaders and partners to ensure that emergency management plans are aligned and supportive.
This role also supports the advancement of Kootenay Rockies Tourism’s strategic goals by aligning with the pillars of Destination Development and Stewardship (including social responsibility), Industry Support and Engagement and Communication, Education and Advocacy.
CRISIS COMMUNICATION WORKSHOPS
Upcoming Workshops:
January 28, 2025 – Nelson
Nelson Visitor Centre Board Room
April & May TBA – Golden, Revelstoke,
Columbia Valley & Cranbrook.
Please click the community of
choice above to register.
Presented by Kootenay Rockies Tourism at no cost, with complimentary lunch. The Crisis Communication Workshop is tailored specifically for the tourism sector in your area and is designed to enhance emergency preparedness by improving communication between stakeholders and developing effective crisis communication plans.
During the workshop, participants will review the Emergency Tourism Framework and learn how to use the template for creating their own Crisis Communication Plan. There will be an opportunity to work on individual crisis plans and participate in an emergency scenario exercise, followed by a collaborative discussion to refine action plans further.
Kate Colley or Krista Lochhead, PR Experts with HatchComms, will join the workshop virtually to share their expertise in crisis communications.
Resources for Tourism Operators & Communities for Emergency Situations
Here are some important resources for communities, marketing organizations and tourism operators to use to communicate with guests and prospective visitors, and to plan and be prepared for emergencies.
BC Tourism Emergency Management Framework
Emergency Messaging Guidance from Destination BC
The Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC) has released a BC Tourism Emergency Management Framework to help reduce the industry’s vulnerabilities and risks and lessen the potentially adverse impacts to visitor experiences during emergencies. The framework provides a unified structure to support tourism partners and visitors on matters related to the four pillars of emergency management … specifically mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.
For British Columbia, there is a dedicated group of tourism industry and government partners – the Tourism Emergency Management Committee (TEMC) who work collaboratively to support the safety of visitors, the viability of tourism businesses and our reputation as a safe and welcoming destination in a provincial or multi-regional emergency preparedness and response. The TEMC have established a robust BC Emergency Management Framework (see left column) that provides resources for the four pillars of emergency management.
Prepared BC
PreparedBC, the province’s official emergency preparedness program, has worked with the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport to create a Social Media package that encourages small businesses and tourism operators to prepare for emergencies.
This package is intended for organizations and associations that support small businesses and tourism operators, including Indigenous and local governments. It is designed to help quickly and easily share important emergency preparedness messages with your followers and the organizations you support. It is not intended to be posted by individual businesses or tourism operators.
Emergency Plan for Tourism Operators
This resource is designed to help BC tourism businesses and organizations start planning and preparing for emergencies that may impact their staff and guests. Choose templates, tools and suggestions that make the most sense for your operation and add to them as needed.
Emergency Plan for Tourism Operators
Prepared BC
Wildfire Preparedness
On average, there are more than 1,600 wildfires in BC every year. Sometimes they burn in areas away from houses or infrastructure, with ecological benefits to the landscape. Other times, they can threaten peoples homes and livelihoods. This guide will help you prepare your household, protect your property and understand what to do if a wildfire is close to your community.
PreparedBC Wildfire Preparedness Guide
Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide
This Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide is a roadmap to help you, your family and community prepare for the next Extreme Heat Emergency in British Columbia. The extreme heat in 2021 is a stark example that our climate is changing and we must prepare for the expectation that these events will become more frequent, longer and hotter in the decades to come.
Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide
BC Government: Be Prepared for extreme heat
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
For current travel restrictions, wildfire info and other key resources, learn more here:
KootenayRockies.com
HelloBC.com