By Pete McIntyre

Planning for an emergency

Dec 13, 2019 | 3:13 PM

Local emergency agencies took part in an imaginary plane crash into Okanagan Lake during a planning event in Vernon.

The table top excercise Thursday involved RCMP, BC Ambulance, Vernon Search and Rescue, Vernon Civilian Air Search and Rescue, Vernon Fire Rescue and City of Vernon staff.

Local pilots with knowledge of aircraft types that are common at the Vernon Airport were on hand to explain how to deal with an aircraft if it should crash in water.

“This table top exercise is a good opportunity for all the responding agencies to get together to work through the city’s Airport Emergency Response Plan,” Ian Adkins, the supervisor of Vernon Airport, said. “An incident such as a plane crash could require the involvement of all these agencies.”

“These practice scenarios help familiarize all agencies with the airport protocols and they support our regulatory requirement to hold a table top exercise annually, and a major practice scenario once every four years,” Adkins said. “I think everyone comes away with a good refresher on dealing with aircraft incidents and each time we learn something new.”

Charger rollout

Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC

2h ago

Secondary Dwellings

Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands

4h ago

Wildfire Risks

Okanagan's Fire Danger Rating already up to Moderate

Apr 23, 2026

City officials say this time of year is best for planning and practicing emergencies, given the seasonal threats of flooding and fires earlier in the year.

“Conducting table top exercises provides us with an opportunity to practice executing emergency plans together,” Vernon Fire Chief David Lind said. “We build relationships with a number of agencies, identify gaps in emergency response plans and make adjustments in a safe environment. These are important tools in emergency management.”

In the event of a catastrophic air transportation incident, the city’s Emergency Management Plan would trigger an emergency alert on the City of Vernon website and out to people registered for emergency alerts via email subscription or the VernonConnect mobile app.

“As emergencies can happen any time, it’s vital that we all take steps to prepare ourselves and our families,” Sue Saunders, emergency program coordinator said. “This includes planning how we will access important information during an emergency.”

To receive emergency information, visit www.vernon.ca/subscribe, enter your email address, and click the boxes for the notifications you want to receive.

You can also download the City of Vernon app called VernonConnect, free of charge, which will be used to send alerts directly to you during an emergency.

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments