MHW VI Region handout_Mar 2025

Survey link: https://forms.office.com/r/KAVEyqhv2L

Emergency Preparedness: Staying safe before, during, and after an earthquake

First Nations Health Authority

Feb 24, 2025

A 4.8 magnitude earthquake was reported on the Sunshine Coast Feb. 21, with people reporting tremors across southwest BC. In the immediate threat of an earthquake, it's always best to drop, cover and hold on until it's safe.

This is a good reminder to be prepared in the event of an emergency. The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) encourages First Nations individuals, families, and communities begin to plan, prepare, and stay informed.

How to Prepare for an Emergency

• Create an Emergency Plan.
• Choose an Emergency Meeting Place.
• Plan how to communicate and create a written phone list. This should include someone outside of your area, usually outside of BC. Make sure all household members have the same contact numbers in case of separation.
• Pick a safe meeting place, such as a school or a library.
• Plan to have somebody you trust pick up your children from school or daycare if you can't get to them.

Build a Grab-and-Go Bag

If you're forced to leave your home or workplace, it's important to able to evacuate in a hurry.  To be better prepared for an emergency or evacuation it is advisable to create a grab-and-go bag including items you will need in the immediate period following such an event.

Some things to include in such a kit could include:

• Food (non-perishable and read to eat) and water for 72 hours
• Phone charger and battery bank
• Small battery-powered radio
• Battery-powered and flashlight and extra batteries
• Small first-aid kit and personal medications – Devil's Club Rub, Arthritis Salve, Anti-inflammatory Stinging Nettle Tea
• Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
• Copy of your emergency plan and important documents such as insurance papers and identification
• Cash in small bills
• Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
• Pen and notepad
• Whistle
• Sage and cedar bundle

Who is Most at Risk?

It is important to monitor yourself, family members, elders and people in community and to consider developing a check-in system for neighbours and friends who are at higher risk during floods.

Stay informed

• FNHA: Emergency Preparedness Infosheet
• Prepared BC: Earthquake and Tsunami Guide
• EmergencyInfoBC: Current emergencies in BC

Artist Invitation 2025

AGENDA

HULI’TUN HEALTH SOCIETY’S COMMUNITY MEETING

MARCH 5, 2025, at the HALALT GYMNASIUM

Booth Visits and Surveys start at 4:00 pm

Catered Dinner at 5:00 pm

Booth Visits and HHS 5-Year Health Plan at 6:00 pm

Survey Door Prize Draw at 7:00 pm

For clarification, please call and ask for Kathleen August or Maureen Wilson at 250 246 2127.

Huli’tun Health Society continues to celebrate 30 amazing years of health services!

ATTENTION: all hunters, gatherers, and game handlers.

Dec 02, 2024 First Nation's Health Authority

Protect yourself from bird flu, aka avian influenza, which is currently a public health issue in BC

A message from Brittany Deeter, RN, MsN, FNHA Director, Communicable Disease, Population & Public Health, Office of the Chief Nursing Officer; Dr. Celeste Loewe, FNHA Medical Officer, Health & Wellness, Office of the Chief Medical Officer; and Samson Wong, FNHA Senior Manager, Environmental Public Health Services / Response

As health and wellness partners with First Nations people in BC, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is advising hunters, gatherers, and anyone else who handles game, to safeguard themselves against avian influenza (aka bird flu or H5N1), which is currently a public health issue across Canada and the United States. According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, more than 12 million birds have been infected across Canada since the current cycle began in 2022, including more than six million in BC.

What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza is a virus that spreads quickly among wild birds, poultry, and some mammals such as skunks and foxes. It can live in bird feathers for weeks in moderate temperatures and longer in cool weather – as well as on surfaces for months. Since humans can also get sick from handling infected birds or animals, it is important to take precautions when dealing with birds or other game, and to avoid completely those with signs of illness that may be avian influenza.   

What are the signs of a bird with avian influenza?

• Weakness or lack of movement.
• Swelling around the head, neck, or eyes.
• Coughing, sneezing, or difficulty breathing.
• Diarrhea.
• Sudden death.

How can I keep myself and my community safe?

• Do not touch live, sick, or dead birds, or mammals that have died from unknown causes.
• Report dead birds to BC's Wild Bird Reporting Line at 1-866-431-2473.
• Wear gloves and a mask when handling or cleaning game.
• Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space when handling or cleaning game.
• Wash hands, tools, and surfaces thoroughly with soap and disinfectant.
• Decontaminate clothing, footwear and tools with hot, soapy water and disinfectant (e.g., 25 milliliters of bleach in 2 liters of water).

Keep game products separate from other food products to avoid cross-contamination.

Cook game thoroughly:

• Cook meat to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) or higher.
• Cook whole birds to an internal temperature of 82°C (180°F).
• Do not consume raw or undercooked eggs.

Following these strict hygiene practices will also help avoid spreading the virus to domestic birds.

Protecting First Nations Communities

Hunting and gathering are vital to First Nations people's cultures and way of life, which includes being responsible for each other as a community, and being good stewards of the land, wildlife and environment.

By following the above-listed safety measures, First Nations hunters, gatherers, game handlers and food preparers can help ensure the health and wellness of their families and communities.

For more information: http​://www​.bccdc.ca/resource-gallery/Documents/Avian_flu_How_can_I_protect_myself.pdf

For general questions: Contact the FNHA's Environmental Health Team at environmental.health@fnha.ca

For emergencies Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Contact your local Environmental Health Officer

For emergencies after hours: 1-844-666-0711 or ephs.afterhours@fnha.ca

Calls or emails received after 10 p.m. will be responded to the following day at 6 a.m.

O Sii'em, during the winter season it sometimes feels like to rain and dark nights are exactly that; dark.

We have resources that are available for Lyackson and Halalt Citizens to call upon.  Please see the attached list of resources; numbers that you can confidentially call when you need to talk and have someone listen.  Huy tseep q'u Sii'em

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