Visiting Residents
EX/PX field consultants visit residents in areas indicated on their map to exchange information: they give residents information on the ERP process and what to expect in an emergency and get information from them on the number and type of residents at their location, including any special needs or circumstances relevant in an emergency.
This is some of the typical information we include in our info packages for residents:
- regular contact numbers and emergency contact numbers for the company whose ERP it is,
- contact numbers for the regulator (e.g. ERCB in Alberta) and local disaster services,
- a brief description of what’s being done (or proposed to be done),
- some technical info such as EPZ calculation details,
- information on toxic gases (e.g. H2S, SO2),
- safety measures in place,
- definitions of emergency levels,
- details on what to do in an emergency, and a discussion about ignition/evacuation/sheltering.
Regulators give some guidance on what to include in this type of public relations material (for instance, for Alberta, it’s found in Directive 71).
We realize how vital the information our field staff provide and collect is in an emergency. But we are also sensitive to the value of residents’ time and concerns. So we always use plain language in our information packages and do efficient visits that take up as little time as possible. We also provide other ways for residents to get more information, such as by telephone or on this website (see Our Work and the Public on the navigation bar above). And we address common issues they may have, such as about the security of their information (see Collecting Data).