Emergency Management | City of Delta

Emergency Management Office

An emergency or disaster can occur anytime, anywhere. An earthquake, flood, power outage, and severe weather incidents are just some of the possibilities. Through the Delta Emergency Management Office, Delta strives to be a prepared community, ready to respond to disaster or emergency.

With the help of Delta Fire & Emergency Services, Delta Police and Delta's Engineering, and Parks, Recreation and Culture departments, the Emergency Management Office plans, prepares and coordinates response in the event of an emergency.

For further information on emergency preparedness, please contact the Emergency Management Office at 604-946-3353 or by email.

The City of Delta has also introduced a new public alert system called Alertable, which enables the City to communicate directly with the public during emergencies and critical incidents. Sign up below or visit delta.ca/alertable for more information.

Stay informed. Stay Safe.

Sign up for Alerts

Emergency Support Services (ESS) is an emergency response program that provides services that are required to preserve the well-being of people affected by an emergency or disaster.
The program provides short-term assistance to British Columbians who are forced to leave their homes because of a fire, flood, earthquake or other emergency. This assistance includes the provision of food, clothing, lodging, emotional support and family reunification.
In British Columbia, municipalities are responsible for planning and operating emergency responses, including Emergency Support Services, within their jurisdictional areas with assistance funded by the province.
How to receive support from Emergency Support Services
If you have been evacuated from your home as a result of a disaster or emergency, you may be eligible for support. Please visit ess.gov.bc.ca to access the Emergency Support Services Evacuee Registration Assistance (ERA) tool.
If you will need help to meet your basic needs while evacuated, create a profile for Emergency Support Services with the Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool. If evacuated, this will help you access support online, by phone, or in-person at a reception centre.
Delta Emergency Support Services
Delta has a well-established Emergency Support Service program that operates in North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen, and it is prepared to meet the needs of the community for the first 72 hours following a disaster or emergency.
The success of the ESS program depends on a strong partnership between community volunteers and Delta staff. Together we plan and provide for the essential needs of individuals, families and response workers.
Volunteer with ESS
ESS Volunteer Responsibilities
Emergency Support volunteers assist their communities in many ways, including:
- Informing the public of resources available following a disaster
- Providing for the essential needs of people affected by a disaster
- Creating linkages to first responder agencies
- Maintaining rapport with local businesses and service agencies
- Identifying potential Reception Centre and Group Lodging sites
- Exercising emergency response protocol
- Recruiting and training volunteers
In the event of a major emergency or disaster in Delta, volunteers are responsible for undertaking their own personal preparedness in order to be able to respond quickly and professionally during emergency situations. The first responsibility of an Emergency Social Support volunteer is their safety and the safety and security of their family. When this has been established, volunteers are responsible for providing emergency human support services.
Volunteers in Delta's ESS program are responsible for obtaining training in Emergency Support Services. Training is available through the Justice Institute and support organizations in various emergency management topics including Reception Centre Operations, Registration & Referrals, Family Reunification, and Disaster Child Care, and more. There are no specific skills required to become a volunteer. However, skills in areas such as volunteer management, interviewing and second languages are considered an asset.
How to Become a Volunteer
Delta's ESS program is dependent on the willingness of individuals to help plan for the well-being of their community in the event of a disaster.
Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. Delta is currently recruiting volunteers into its Emergency Support Services program. A commitment of approximately 2-4 hours a month is required for training and exercises.
For more information about becoming an ESS volunteer, please contact the Emergency Support Services Manager by email at 604-952-3520.
To find out more information about Emergency Support Services in British Columbia, please visit Emergency Management BC.

Emergency Planning - 26 Weeks to Prepare

If you are concerned for your safety, please contact: 9-1-1

Don't wait for an emergency to happen. There are a number of simple things you can do to prepare yourself and your loved ones for an emergency.

Personal and Family Emergency Preparedness

The Federal and Provincial government provide a range of information on emergency preparedness for various types of emergencies. Please visit Emergency Management BC for information on provincial emergency preparedness.

PreparedBC aims to help British Columbians get prepared to be on their own for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency, enabling first responders to focus on those in urgent need. Check out their website for information and tips to prepare your family and connect with your neighbours before an emergency.

View information and resources regarding personal emergency preparedness for people with disabilities.

26 Weeks to Family Emergency Preparedness

Use this guide to create an emergency kit and get your family (including pets) prepared.

Week	Action to Take
1	Get a portable container with a lid to use as an emergency kit. A plastic storage bin or garbage can works well, particularly one with wheels. Choose an accessible location for the container near an exit, and label the container. Make sure all family members know what it will be used for and where it is.
2	Stock your kit with a three-day supply of water, and don't forget to include water for your pets. You need four litres of water per person per day - two for drinking and two for food preparation and hygiene.
3	Arrange an out-of-area phone contact person, and keep this and other emergency phone numbers near each telephone. Teach each family member these numbers.
4	Stock your kit with several varieties of canned meat and dried fruit. Include a manual can opener.
5	Get a portable radio and extra batteries for your emergency kit.
6	Learn about hazards. Find out what the hazards are in your community and do a home hazard hunt to make your home safer. Secure appliances and heavy furniture and move beds away from heavy mirrors and windows.
7	Give every family member specific safety task to do in an emergency. For example, designate one person to be in charge of turning off electricity, one to collect the emergency container, one to take charge of any pets, etc. Add peanuts and granola bars to your kit.
8	Identify safe places in your home and on your property. Plan and practice evacuation drills using two different escape routes from each room. Add containers of juice or juice crystals to your kit.
9	Stock your kit with both large and medium-sized plastic garbage bags (orange or yellow make good visible signals). Large bags can also be used as ponchos, ground covers or blankets. Add plastic or paper dishes.
10	Identify a family meeting place away from home but close to your regular spots (between work and home or school). Add some books, toys and cards to your kit.
11	Add a flashlight and extra batteries, along with candles and waterproof matches
12	Add some dried soups, crackers and peanut butter to your emergency kit.
13	Check your insurance policies and make records of your possessions.
14	Prepare a first-aid kit that includes extra prescription medication, extra eyeglasses, bandages, sterile gauze pads, tape, scissors, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, saline and over-the-counter pain pills.
15	Add a change of clothing for each family member to your kit. Be sure to include warm clothing, heavy work gloves and sturdy shoes.
16	Add some canned food like stews, baked beans and vegetables to your kit.
17	Enroll a family member in a first-aid course.
18	Add personal toiletry items like toilet paper, handy wipes, soap, detergent, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, sanitary supplies, etc. to your emergency kit.
19	Add evaporated canned or powdered milk and cereal to your kit.
20	If needed, include infant supplies including disposable diapers, disposable bottles, formula, etc. to your emergency kit.
21	Get a large bucket with a tight-fitting lid to use as a toilet and put it with your emergency kit. Use the bucket to store other emergency tools like an axe, a folding shovel and rope.
22	Add some freeze-dried or foil pouch food products like meats, soups, vegetables and stews.
23	Add a pocketknife (Swiss Army style), cutlery, a whistle and spare set of house and car keys to your container.
24	Keep a leash or pet carrier near your kit and add a three-day supply of pet food.
25	Add sleeping bags or blankets to your kit along with water purification tablets.
26	Assemble important documents like wills, insurance papers, medical records, inventory of possessions, identification, etc. in a fireproof/waterproof container. Add a family photo album to your emergency kit.

In the event of an emergency, you should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. Get prepared—create an emergency kit with these essential items:
Emergency Kit Items
- Water – at least four litres of water per person per day, and include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
- Food that won't spoil – canned food, energy bars and dried foods (replace food and water once a year)
- Manual can opener
- Crank or battery-powered flashlight (and extra batteries)
- Crank or battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
- First aid kit
- Extra keys to your car and house
- Cash in smaller bills – $10 bills and change for payphones
- A copy of your emergency plan and contact information
- Other items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal (customize to your needs)
For more information see PreparedBC's guide to emergency kit supplies.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are common in British Columbia and more than 1,200 are recorded each year. Most are too small to be felt, but an earthquake capable of causing structural damage is expected to occur about once every ten years.
Find out what you can do now to make sure you and your family are prepared when an earthquake occurs:
Earthquake Preparedness Guide
The Earthquake Preparedness Guide is a thorough and informative document that talks about what to do in the event of an earthquake, what happens during an earthquake and much more.

Tsunamis
Tsunamis are rare but serious events. While many areas of coastal British Columbia may be threatened in the event of a tsunami, scientific and technical experts generally agree that Delta and other Metro Vancouver communities are at low risk for tsunamis generated in the Pacific Ocean. Additional risks may exist in the event of a near-shore earthquake; however, such earthquakes have been found to be extremely rare throughout history. Visit the Emergency Management BC website for more information regarding tsunamis in British Columbia.
King tides, the highest seasonal tides, and storm surges, which are sudden rises in sea level caused by storms, typically occur in Delta between November and February. These high tides are often influenced by lunar cycles and can be intensified by weather systems, especially during stormy conditions. Understanding these distinct but related events, which can lead to flooding and erosion, is crucial in safeguarding our homes and communities during these times.
For your safety, see below for a list of locations where you can pick up sandbags:
- 1A Ave Boat Launch
- 3 Ave Beach Access
- 16 Ave Beach Access
- 17A Ave (West of Beach Grove Elementary)
- Ladner Works Yard
- Seaview Road
- Sungod Arena
- Wellington Point
Emergency Preparedness Resources:
Emergency planners and transportation engineers from all levels of government have cooperated to identify Disaster First Responder Routes. These are a network of roads that will be activated following a disaster or major emergency in order to best move emergency services and supplies to where they are needed.
Disaster First Responder Routes are not routes for the public. They are activated strictly to quickly and efficiently transport emergency services and supplies.
By designating and assigning these routes in advance of an emergency and providing key response personnel with the appropriate identification, we are ensuring the mobility of our first responders and their ability to respond in the quickest manner possible.
- Delta Emergency Response Routes
- Lower Mainland Disaster Response Routes
How Will I Know When the Routes are Activated?
Public service announcements on the radio will provide information regarding the activation of specific routes and what they are being used for.
What Can I do to Help?
When the routes are activated, residents will be asked to help keep the routes clear by moving parked cars and finding another way to get to their destination. Once the safety needs of the community have been addressed, the routes will be open for public use.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Transportation.
Delta Lifeboat Society
- The Canadian Lifeboat Institution (CLI) provides its lifesaving service in Delta based out of Ladner Harbour, utilizing the Delta Lifeboat. It’s all volunteer crew and support staff train to professional standards to ensure they are fully proficient in seamanship, navigation, communications, engineering and first aid.
- The CLI provides safety patrols during First Nations and commercial fisheries in the Fraser estuary and patrols further afield during chum and herring commercial openings.
- We also supply safety patrols for other events such as yacht races and at times when high marine activity is expected, such as holiday weekends.
- The Delta Lifeboat often operates with the CLI’s “Fraser Lifeboat” stationed in Steveston. Together they support the Canadian search and rescue system and help resolve incidents that occur in their area of operation.
- Future plans for shipping LNG and jet fuel into the Fraser will probably require CLI to be even more active as these transits will require escorts to help prevent accidents
- Please support your community by volunteering.
  For more information go to CanadianLifeboatInstitution.org, or contact John Horton, Lifeboat Captain. Phone: 604-760-5218.
Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program Coordinator
Delta's Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP) commenced in Delta through a joint effort between Delta, Delta's Community Police Station (CoPS) and Delta Fire & Emergency Services. It's an eight-session program that teaches:
- Individuals and families how to become self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours following a disaster
- Neighbours how to plan and train as a neighbourhood to respond safely and effectively as organized teams during a disaster
Although natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods cannot be prevented, we can mitigate the effects of such events through preparation. Individuals and families that are prepared before a disaster strikes are more likely to:
- Cope effectively during the event
- Recover faster after the event
Whether you live in a single-family dwelling, apartment, townhouse or rural farming community, the NEPP is easily adaptable to benefit both you and your neighbours. The program teaches preparedness skills that can be put to use in your home, neighbourhood, workplace, school and community.
For further information about NEPP, please visit Delta Police's Neighbourhood Emergency Program, or contact the Emergency Management Office at 604-946-3353 or by email.
Individuals and neighborhoods also can get information and obtain training through Justice Institute of BC's Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program

City of Delta Emergency Radio Communications Program (Delta Amateur Radio) - Emergency Radio Communication Volunteer
Prerequisites:
- Desire to develop your personal and community emergency preparedness
- Desire to work to support your community during an emergency
- Certificate of Proficiency in Amateur Radio
- Member in good standing of Delta Amateur Radio Society (Training and practice)
- Amateur Radio handheld or mobile transceiver
Experience and development goals:
- Participating in and control of radio nets
- Voice and Winlink (data) radio operations
- Participate in City of Delta community events and exercises, to practice and develop radio communications skills
- Incident Command System (ICS) training
- Awareness of Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) functions
- Awareness of Emergency Support Services functions
- Familiarity with City of Delta damage assessment process and other forms
Expectations of the role:
- To support the City of Delta Emergency Radio Communications Program Response Plan
- Annually complete a “Police Information Check for Emergency Management Volunteer (Vulnerable Sector)” for review by City of Delta Human Resources
- Adhere to the Code of Conduct
- Support and cooperate with other Emergency Radio Communication Volunteers
- When possible, to participate in training and exercises; support community events and emergency incidents with radio communication services
- When available, to complete Emergency Management training courses
Examples of exercises and City of Delta events utilizing Emergency Radio Communication Volunteers:
- City of Delta damage assessment exercise (Windshield survey)
- Boundary Bay Air Show
- Ladner Days
- Luminary Festival
- May Day Parade
- Terry Fox Runs, North Delta and South Delta
Learn More About Volunteering
Fire safety ratings are set by Metro Vancouver and range between low, moderate, high, and extreme. Guidelines for each rating can be found below.
Low Rating
Public reminders are as follows:
- Call 9-1-1 to report any fires.
- No open burning year-round in Delta. Backyard fires, campfires, and open cooking fires (except in approved briquette and propane BBQs) remain banned year-round in all areas of Delta.
- In Metro Vancouver parks, campfires are permitted in designated areas.
- Use caution when smoking. Cigarettes and matches should be extinguished before disposal and placed in a metal or glass receptacle.
- Smoking is prohibited all Delta Parks and Open Spaces.
- Please report any unauthorized activity that poses a risk of fire to the Delta Police Department’s 24/7 non-emergency line at 604- 946-4411.
Moderate Rating
Public reminders are as follows:
- Call 9-1-1 to report any fires.
- No open burning year-round in Delta. Backyard fires, campfires, and open cooking fires (except in approved briquette and propane BBQs) remain banned year-round in all areas of Delta.
- In Metro Vancouver parks, campfires are permitted in designated areas.
- Use caution when smoking. Cigarettes and matches should be extinguished before disposal and placed in a metal or glass receptacle.
- Smoking is prohibited all Delta Parks and Open Spaces.
- Please report any unauthorized activity that poses a risk of fire to the Delta Police Department’s 24/7 non-emergency line at 604- 946-4411.
High Rating
Public reminders are as follows:
- Call 9-1-1 to report any fires.
- The agricultural burning ban remains in effect.
- No open burning year-round in Delta. Backyard fires, campfires, and open cooking fires (except in approved briquette and propane BBQs) remain banned year-round in all areas of Delta.
- In Metro Vancouver parks, campfires are PROHIBITED even in designated areas.
- Use caution when smoking. Cigarettes and matches should be extinguished before disposal and placed in a metal or glass receptacle.
- Smoking is prohibited all Delta Parks and Open Spaces.
- Please report any unauthorized activity that poses a risk of fire to the Delta Police Department’s 24/7 non-emergency line at 604- 946-4411.
Extreme Rating
An extreme rating occurs when continued dry weather has resulted in conditions that are tinder dry and extremely sensitive to sparks & fire.
Please comply with posted signs & fire danger guidelines:
- No open burning year-round in Delta.
- All BBQs (including propane) are prohibited in parks.
- No smoking
- Remember to stay on trails at all times.
- Be aware of all spark sources.
- Report all fires to 911 immediately
Help keep your home and family safe from interface wildfires with these tips.
When the fire danger rating is in the danger zone, then our forests and landscapes become very dry. Please take extra care to prevent fires.
The City of Delta and urban areas in the lower mainland are at a low risk for wildfires compared to communities in the interior of BC. Climate change is making summers longer, drier and hotter which increases fire risk in urban settings. Wildfires start and grow by catching dried grasses, bark mulch, trees, leaves, plants, and other fuels, and can spread to structures, including homes.
Wildfire sparks and embers can travel several kilometres away and ignite homes and surrounding areas. Fires can spread from the forest into the community, or from the community to the forest. This is where FireSmarting you property can mitigate the risks involved during these events.
Did you know?
- Nearly half of all wildfires in B.C. are caused by people.
- More than 50% of homes destroyed by wildfire are ignited by embers blown by the wind.
- 85-90% of homes with non-combustible roofs & 10 metres of clearance will survive a major wildfire.
Are you at risk?
- Do you live beside dense, continuous forests or large unmanaged grass areas? Dense forests and large unmanaged grass areas are large fuel sources and increase the risk of spread to your property as fire can grow quickly.
- Do you live on the mid to upper part or crest of a hill or slope? Fire moves faster uphill putting homes at higher risk.
- Do you have flammable materials and/or trees close to your home? Flammable materials such as stacked firewood, building materials, old furniture, and flammable liquids, close to your home increase the risk of fire and spread to your home.
- Do you have wooden shake roofing materials? Metal, asphalt, clay and rubber tiles offer the best protection. Untreated wood shakes create a dangerous combination of flammable material and cracks for embers or sparks to enter. Regularly clean your roof of combustible materials.
- Is your exterior siding made of wood or vinyl? Fire can melt and penetrate siding when flames or embers get into the cavity behind the siding, especially if it is made with untreated wood or vinyl. With inadequate ground to siding clearance, accumulated embers can ignite combustible siding directly.
- Are your eaves and vents non-flammable and properly fitted? Vents are important for removing moisture from attics. They create an opening for sparks and embers. Install non-flammable material for all vents. Properly fitted soffits and fascia help to reduce the risk of embers and heat reaching the wooden rafters of your home.
FireSmart Your Home
Here are a few simple actions you can take to lessen your risk and protect your home.
Changes within 10 metres of your home will have the biggest impact on reducing the threat of wildfire.
- Create a buffer zone around your home that is free from flammables that support burning, such as shrubs, patio furniture and overhanging branches.
- If possible, extend a minimum of 1.5-metre non-flammable surface (gravel, sidewalk) around the perimeter of your home.
- Keep firewood piles, construction materials, and propane tanks as far away from the home as possible.
- Regularly clean up collections of fallen branches, dry grass, tree needles and leaves.
- Mow your lawn regularly to keep it at a height of 6 inches or less.
- Avoid having or using bark mulch around your yard, as it provides potential places for fires to start.
- Plant low density, fire-resistant plants.
Characteristics of fire-resistant plants and shrubs
- moist leaves
- accumulates minimal dead vegetation
- water-like sap with little odour
- low amount of sap or resin material
Characteristics of highly flammable plants
- leaves or needles are aromatic
- accumulates fine, dry, dead material
- contain resin or oils
- loose papery or flaky bark
Plants to avoid
- cedar
- juniper
- pine
- tall grass
- spruce
Other prevention tips for your home
- Ensure you have a spark arrestor for any wood-burning appliance or chimney which will help prevent embers from escaping into the open area outside.
- Regularly remove debris from your gutters. Consider screening your gutters with metal mesh to reduce the amount of debris that can accumulate.
- Look around your yard for other flammable materials. Consider how close you store lawn furniture or deck storage boxes near your home.
Preparedness tips for your family
- Make sure every floor and all sleeping areas have working smoke alarms.
- Set up emergency numbers in your phone.
- Create a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit ready to go with at least*
1. 4 litres of water per person, per day for drinking and cleaning
2. Non-refrigerated food and a manual can opener
3. Crank or battery-powered flashlight/batteries
4. Crank or battery-powered radio
5. Blankets or sleeping bags
6. Toiletries
7. First aid kit
* Specialized items may be needed for infants, seniors, persons with disabilities and pets.
PreparedBC – PreparedBC can help you understand and prepare for the hazards in your area.
If a wildfire occurs near your home
- Listen to the local radio and watch City of Delta social media channels for up-to-date information.
- Pack your car with your emergency kit, valuables and important documentation and park it facing forward out of the driveway with windows closed.
- Close all home windows and doors, and move flammable materials, such as curtains and furniture, away from windows.
- Turn off propane or natural gas when evacuating.
Respiratory health and wildfire smoke
Regardless of where you live, a large fire can also impact the air quality. These microscopic particles can cause a range of health problems from burning eyes to aggravated chronic heart and lung diseases. Everyone responds differently to wildfire smoke. Some people are at higher risk of experiencing adverse health effects. For more information please visit:
- Fraser Health Air Quality website
- BCCDC Wildfire fact sheet
- FireSmart BC - Wildfire preparedness training and resources
- FireSmart Homeowners Manual – Learn how to reduce the potential impacts of wildfire on your home
- Watch this brief video for an overview of FireSmart practices and what you can do at home.
- Find FireSmart plant suggestions for your yard. Download the FireSmart Guide to Landscaping.
- FireSmart Canada - Wildfire preparedness training and resources
- FireSmart Canada has developed a FREE one-hour “FireSmart 101” course for those who are getting started with FireSmart and want to learn more.
FIRESMART FACT SHEETS LINKS:

Public Education and Events

Delta Fire & Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Program offer a variety of community courses, training, and fire hall tours throughout the year.

More Information

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Fire Extinguisher Training

Fire Extinguishers

Learn how a fire extinguisher can keep you safe in instance of fire:

Why do I need a fire extinguisher?

A fire extinguisher is a fire protection device used to put out or control small fires, often in emergency situations. With training and practice, adults can use portable fire extinguishers to extinguish small, contained fires. Putting out a small, contained fire, such as a cooking pan or waste basket fire, may prevent needless injury and minimize property damage.

What type of fire extinguisher should I choose?

Portable fire extinguishers are categorized by ratings. These ratings determine the size and type of fire that the extinguisher can effectively put out. There are four classes: A, B, C and D. Check the extinguisher label and purchase an extinguisher that is appropriate for the type and size of fire you could encounter. Choose only extinguishers that have been tested by an approved testing laboratory and labelled for their intended use.

Fire Extinguisher Classes


Type	Detail
A -Ordinary Combustibles	This symbol indicates an extinguisher that may be used on ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, plastic or cloth. The symbol may be found on water, foam or multi-purpose extinguishers.
B - Flammable Liquids	This symbol indicates an extinguisher that is appropriate for use on flammable or combustible liquids. The symbol may be found on carbon dioxide, multi-purpose dry chemical, and dry chemical extinguishers.
C - Electrical Equipment	This symbol indicates an extinguisher that may be used on fires involving energized electrical equipment. The symbol may be found on carbon dioxide, multi-purpose dry chemical, and dry chemical extinguishers.
D - Flammable Metals	This symbol indicates an extinguisher that may be used on some types of combustible metals, including combustible magnesium, sodium and potassium. The symbol may be found on dry chemical extinguishers. You will rarely encounter a D Class fire in the home or office

Where should I install my fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers should be installed in plain view and located in convenient places throughout the home.
Install them in areas that contain potential fire hazards, such as the kitchen (not too close to the stove), workshop, garage and basement.
In each area, place the extinguisher near the door so you can reach it easily and ensure a quick, safe escape.

What is the proper way to use a fire extinguisher?

You should only use a fire extinguisher in instance of fire if the following conditions apply:

Everyone has the left the fire area and is evacuating the building.
Fire department has been called.
Fire is confined to a small area.
A clear escape route exists between you and the fire.
There is an appropriate, working fire extinguisher available.
You have read the extinguisher instructions and have received training in its safe operation.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the size and type of extinguisher you are using, and stay well back from the fire when using the extinguisher.

Holding the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, remove the pin or lever release mechanism to unlock the operating lever.
Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire. Hold the extinguisher vertically.
Squeeze the handle fully to release the contents of the extinguisher.
Move the nozzle from side to side in a sweeping motion at the base of the fire. Fight the fire closest to you and continue the sweeping motion until the fire is extinguished.

Important: If your extinguisher is empty or the fire grows larger, leave the building immediately and close the doors behind you. Once outside, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Do not re-enter the building until the fire department says it is safe to do so.

How do I maintain my fire extinguisher?

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance.
Check the extinguisher pressure gauge every month to ensure the unit is holding its charge.
Refill or replace the extinguisher after each use. Rechargeable models should be serviced after every use and remember that disposable extinguishers must be replaced.

For commercial kitchen owners, please refer to Commercial Cooking Equipment Fire Extinguisher Systems.

Delta's Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program (NEPP) commenced in Delta through a joint effort between Delta, Delta's Community Police Station (CoPS) and Delta Fire & Emergency Services. It's an eight-session program that teaches:
- Individuals and families how to become self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours following a disaster
- Neighbours how to plan and train as a neighbourhood to respond safely and effectively as organized teams during a disaster
- Although natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods cannot be prevented, we can mitigate the effects of such events through preparation. Individuals and families that are prepared before a disaster strikes are more likely to:
- Cope effectively during the event
- Recover faster after the event
Whether you live in a single-family dwelling, apartment, townhouse or rural farming community, the NEPP is easily adaptable to benefit both you and your neighbours. The program teaches preparedness skills that can be put to use in your home, neighbourhood, workplace, school and community.
For further information about NEPP, please visit Delta Police's Neighbourhood Emergency Program, or contact the Emergency Management Office at 604-952-3111 or by email.
Individuals and neighborhoods also can get information and obtain training through (Justice Institute of BC's Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program).