The world was shocked by the tragedy that unfolded at the Boston Marathon.
Though Drumheller is not nearly the same size, inSide Drumheller spoke with emergency services in Drumheller to learn what plans are in place should something similar befall our quiet, rural town.
Fire Chief Bill Bachynski
“There are many different scenarios and circumstances that could arise. Every community has to be prepared,” said Bill Bachynski, Drumheller Fire Chief and chair of the disaster services committee. “You would get the same reaction you’re seeing in Boston right now, just on a smaller scale. If needed, we would bring in people from as far away as we have to.”
Various scenarios are outlined in the Town’s Municipal Emergency Plan, which are updated on a regular basis and the risk associated with each evaluated on a continuing basis.
“They’re all rated and plans made appropriate to that risk. There is a plan in for the community, and that is to practice on a regular basis,” said Bachynski.
Although many scenarios are discussed, emergency services emphasizes the ones that are most likely to occur.
Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins
“Within the RCMP there are plans in place for various eventualities, but you have to plan for what is a reasonable likelihood in your community. We do have contingency plans in place for explosions, not necessarily associated to a terrorist organization. Overall, the plan is very similar, no matter what happens,” said Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins.
“When police and emergency personnel move in, the first priority is to preserve life and then protect property. For example, let’s say a fertilizer storage tank exploded, we wouldn’t treat that any different initially than if someone dropped off a bomb at the BCF. Ultimately, it’s about saving lives and helping the people who are injured.”
Afterwards, after the injured were aided, the investigation would begin.
“The investigation after the fact is done differently. Depending on what happened, different agencies and organizations will be mobilized throughout the province to deal with the issues that come to light,” said Hopkins.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum, which sees hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, also prepares should the worst happen.
“We have developed, and continue to update, an emergency response plan. It is mainly designed for fire, severe weather, bomb threat, robbery, or any other similar emergency. I have thought before that if a threat were to occur in this community it could very likely be here, given the large numbers of people we sometimes have on site,” said Andrew Neuman, Executive Director of the Tyrrell Museum.
Staff at the Tyrrell are trained to handle a variety of situations. Their primary goal is to ensure guests are evacuated from the building safely.
“We have staff who have security and safety as a major part of their job. These individuals have some training in crisis management. One of the first things we do if there is any threat is to evacuate people from the threatened area and call emergency services. It is important to refer these emergencies to the proper trained authorities. One direction our staff are given is: should you notice a suspicious object or package, contact police. Under no circumstances should you tamper with or move the object,” said Neuman.
In the end though, like with disaster services, the museum focuses on the most likely disasters that could befall the town.
“We focus on the most likely threats like fire and severe weather, but our response to a bomb would be very similar,” said Neuman.