After a record-breaking wildfire season, organizations in Winnipeg are preparing for potential air quality emergencies. A simulation called AIR Aware was held to test the city’s readiness for such a situation. With dry conditions in western Canada and the potential for a busy wildfire season, emergency management coordinator Mike Olczyk expressed the need for preparedness. The drill involved 100 volunteer actors in three waves, testing organizational systems and boosting the experience of staff. The facility included features such as a first-aid station, snack and meal area, and a multicultural and quiet room for those needing language services. The goal is to be able to support up to 100 people in an emergency situation.
Shawn Feely, vice-president of the Canadian Red Cross for Manitoba and Nunavut, highlighted the importance of the drill in making staff and volunteers think critically. The simulation was designed to present various scenarios, including individuals with medical issues or young children. The exercise aimed to help organizations work together and make decisions on the fly during an emergency. Feely emphasized the need for teamwork and collaboration with multiple partners, such as not-for-profit organizations and different levels of government. This collaborative approach ensures that in an air quality emergency, individuals can easily access support and resources at the designated facility.
The facility, located at Sergeant Tommy Prince Place, is set to open for daytime into evening hours during an emergency. The space is designed to accommodate the flow of 100 people and includes various areas to meet different needs. Olczyk mentioned the importance of post-practice discussions to identify what worked well and what needs improvement. The key, according to Feely, is knowing who you’re working with and being able to think ahead or make quick decisions in real situations. The drill served as a foundation for enhancing coordination and communication between organizations to ensure a seamless response to air quality emergencies.
The drill aimed to gauge the city’s preparedness for potential air quality emergencies, especially in light of forecasts for an active summer for wildfires. Olczyk highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the threshold for triggering a response in real-time, but suggested that it would likely align with Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Air Quality Health Index. The exercise involved volunteer actors enacting various scenarios to test organizational systems and the response of staff. The facility included essential features such as first-aid stations, meal areas, and a multicultural room for language support. The goal of the simulation was to enhance coordination and decision-making among organizations in the event of an air quality emergency.
Feely emphasized the importance of critical thinking and teamwork during an emergency situation. The simulation was designed to challenge staff and volunteers to adapt to different scenarios, including individuals with specific needs. The collaborative approach involved multiple partners such as not-for-profit organizations and government agencies working together to ensure a coordinated response. Feely highlighted the need for open communication and the ability to make quick decisions in challenging situations. The drill served as a valuable training exercise to improve preparedness and enhance the city’s response to potential air quality emergencies.
Ultimately, the goal of the simulation was to ensure that individuals in Winnipeg have access to essential support and resources during an air quality emergency. The facility at Sergeant Tommy Prince Place is equipped to accommodate up to 100 people and includes various spaces tailored to different needs. Post-practice discussions will help identify areas for improvement and refine operational plans for future emergencies. The collaborative effort between organizations and agencies demonstrates a commitment to working together to protect the community and provide a seamless response to potential air quality emergencies.
