ActivitiesMunicipalities are the first line of defense. If a critical incident or emergency exceeds local or regional capacity, the province will mobilize resources and expertise to assist. The authorities and duties of municipalities related to emergency management are contained in the Emergency Management Act. Under the Act, municipal council may, when satisfied that an emergency exists or may exist in the municipality, declare a state of local emergency. In order to determine the need for a state of local emergency, Emergency Management personnel will assess the situation using information from first responders, municipal staff, emergency management groups, provincial departments, and other individuals and organizations on the scene.
If a state of emergency is declared in the Municipality of Chester, details and updates will be reported on this website under News.
Five municipal units signed the Regional Emergency Response Agreement to cement their commitment to working together if a significant emergency occurs. The Regional Emergency Management Organization (REMO) is comprised of the following municipal units:
- Municipality of Chester
- Municipality of Lunenburg
- Town of Bridgewater
- Town of Mahone Bay
- Town of Lunenburg
These five municipal units share responsibilities associated with emergency preparedness, planning, response and recovery. They have jointly developed a Regional Emergency Response Plan that will guide actions and decisions during an emergency.
The REMO is structured to allow for an overall Advisory Committee and several operational groups:
- Advisory Committee: This group of mayors/wardens and elected officials advises the five councils on REMO activities and functions within the Emergency Coordination Center (ECC).
- Planning Committee: These individuals represent various departments and organizations that might have a role to play during an emergency. This group works in the planning and preparedness phases to ensure the community has emergency plans, procedures and resources to support the response effort if required.
- Coordinator/Liaison Group: This group consists of the Regional Emergency Management Coordinator and Assistant Emergency Coordinators from each municipal units. This group functions in all aspects of emergency planning, preparedness, response, and recovery and monitors both local and regional concerns.
