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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
“Sixty five per cent of all avalanche fatalities
across the country happen in B.C.,” said van Dongen. “That percentage is made
very real when you look at statistics that show each and every year, on
average, 14 people across Canada die in avalanches and that’s why we need to
continue to make the public aware of avalanche risks and how to avoid and
mitigate those risks.”
AdventureSmart – a broad range of programs that
encourage safe participation in outdoor activities – is managed by the
Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) in partnership with the B.C. Search and
Rescue Association and the National Search and Rescue Secretariat.
Avalanche Awareness Days runs from Jan. 9-11 and events at Grouse Mountain will also include presentations and demonstrations about the importance of trip preparation, proper training, sport specific safety gear and life safety tips. As well, there are demonstrations where people can learn to use avalanche transceivers, by using them to locate and dig for prizes.
Following a review in 2003, the B.C. government announced funding of $125,000 annually in support of the new Canadian Avalanche Centre. This year, the Province increased that annual funding to the CAC from $125,000 to $140,000, the largest financial contribution from any government source.
So far this winter season in B.C., there have been 10 avalanche-related deaths.
For more information on Avalanche Awareness Days
and other outdoor safety information, please visit www.adventuresmart.ca, www.pep.bc.ca, and www.avalanche.ca online.
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Provincial Emergency Program 250 952-4846 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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