In July of 2021 construction began on a new fire hall for the Riverton-Bifrost Fire Department. The building is located along the north side of Reggie Leach Dr. in the community of Riverton, and shares a lot with the existing Community Hall & Curling Rink. It is a 7,760 square foot structure, with four bays at the front of the building and three in the back. It will also include a board room, locker room, and office space amongst other amenities.
This is a welcome addition to the community, and has been made possible by the Municipal Council and Administration, the Riverton-Bifrost Fire Department members, and the Fire Hall Committee. An identified need for a new building had been discussed since amalgamation in 2015. The current fire hall is 2,650 square feet and does not have enough secure storage space for the department’s equipment and vehicles. Deliberations on site selection were initiated in 2020, and the engineering, design, and site preparation phase took approximately 10 months to complete.
Riverton-Bifrost Fire Department moved into the new building October of 2022.
EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION http://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/
The North-East Interlake Emergency Measures Region consists of three partners; Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton, Town of Arborg and RM of Fisher, and is governed by a Board representing the Councils of each of the communities. The purpose of the organization is to prepare for and manage serious emergencies or disasters. On a day-to-day basis, the program is administered by Municipal Emergency Coordinator Warren Toderan under the supervision of the North-Interlake Emergency Measures Board. The three part Municipal Emergency Plan (MEP) can be found attached to this article.
Manitoba's Interlake is ‘low risk’ for many of the natural phenomena that create problems in other parts of the world. The most likely emergency event is one caused by severe weather - tornado, blizzard, flood or ice storm, and/or a loss of electrical service. Manmade situations such as a hazardous materials spill or serious fire could also impact us.
You can help yourself by preparing for an emergency. Experts recommend that in an emergency situation residents be prepared to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. For seniors, it is important to have a ‘support system’. For further information, refer to http://www.getprepared.gc.ca.
In an emergency, you will need some basic supplies. The following is a basic emergency kit which can be kept in a backpack, duffle bag or suitcase with wheels. Make sure your kit is easy to carry and everyone in the household knows where it is.
BASIC EMERGENCY KIT (sustainable for 72 hours)
- Water – at least two liters of water per person per day; include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order
- Food that won’t spoil such as 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). Replace batteries once a year
- Crank, battery-powered radio (and extra batteries) or weather radio
- First aid kit
- Extra keys to your car and house
- Some cash in smaller bills, such as $10 bills
- A copy of your emergency plan and contact information
- If applicable, other items such as prescription medication, infant formula, equipment for people with disabilities, or food, water and medication for your pets or service animal (personalize according to your needs)
To receive warning of severe weather, residents should monitor Environment Canada’s Weather Radio broadcast station on frequency 162.400 MHz or visit "Public Alerts” on the Environment Canada website at https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html.
Warnings, including those for non-weather related emergencies, may be broadcast over commercial radio and television stations.
In the event of a hazardous materials spill, a fire or other event, you may be required to evacuate your residence.
The following is a checklist of items you should take with in the event of an evacuation:
- Money, credit cards, birth certificates, forms of identification, etc.
- Prescription Medications
- Infant Food & Diapers
- Clothing and Personal Hygiene Items
- Cell Phone, charger, power bank
- Pets; Leash, Food & Water (depending on urgency of the emergency)
In the case of an emergency do the following before leaving your home:
- Turn off water supply
- Turn off lights, applicances, etc.
- Do not turn off your furnace unless instructed to do so
- Lock your residence
If you are required to shelter in place, do the following:
- Stay Indoors
- Shut Off All Ventilation Devices
- Close & Seal Doors & Windows
- Close Fireplaces
- Drink Bottled Liquids From Sealed Containers
- Eat Food From Sealed Containers
Some situations will necessitate the use of volunteers. Persons with experience in social services, command post operations, police, medical, fire, military or similar service are invited to volunteer by submitting their names to the Municipal Emergency Coordinator. Training will be provided for those selected to assist in critical positions.
For further information or to contact us, call the Municipal Office at (204) 376-2391 or email us at
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The Municipality of Bifrost-Riverton has two volunteer fire departments: Arborg-Bifrost Fire & Emergency Services and Riverton-Bifrost Fire Department.
The Arborg-Bifrost Fire & Emergency Services Fire Chief is Jeffrey Pearce.
The Riverton-Bifrost Fire Departments Fire Chief is Jason Comeau.
All Emergency calls should be directed to 911.
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire prevention starts by educating family members and creating a fire emergency plan. Teach children about the risks and show them how to get out in case of fire. Do so in a matter-of-fact way without creating panic or fear.
When you work on your plan, make sure to:
• identify, where possible, two ways to evacuate each room in your house;
• practice your escape plan;
• make a map of your home; and
• choose a meeting place outside your home.
To provide the maximum protection for you and your family in the event of a fire, you need working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Sixty percent of fatal fires occur in households without a functioning alarm that could alert those inside that a fire was spreading. To avoid such situations:
• test smoke detectors once a month to make sure they work;
• never remove batteries or turn off smoke alarms; and
• change the batteries in all smoke alarms twice a year. (you can change them at the same time you reset the clocks in your home).
As well, smoke alarms with ionization and photoelectric technology with a hush feature are recommended to minimize nuisance alarms, while maximizing protection against fast flaming fires and smouldering fires. The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing smoke detectors every 10 years for increased protection.
Finally, pay close attention to the "silent" sources of fire in your home. For example, appliances such as hot-water heaters and gas furnaces or ovens can cause fires or even explosions. Simple precautions can prevent a fire. Turn off appliances before leaving home and shut off the main valves when you leave for any extended period of time.
For additional information please see Public Safety Canada at www.publicsafety.gc.ca
Source: Public Safety Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
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