Chatham-Kent to look at communications in wake of storm, Meta changes

With Meta blocking news on its social media platform, Chatham-Kent officials will be looking at how to best communicate with the public in the wake of a recent storm that left widespread damage throughout the municipality.

Fire and emergency services Chief Chris Case spoke during the non-agenda business portion of Monday’s council meeting, noting there were challenges last month due to the dispute over the federal government’s Bill C-18.

The latest storm impacted the region, devastating trees and property — while causing numerous power outages — but fortunately resulted in no injuries in Chatham-Kent.

“Normally we would send out a press release, and in my experience, the biggest audience for that information is when our colleagues in the media put it on social media,” the chief said. “And in Chatham-Kent, Facebook seems to be the way to go.

“That doesn’t happen at the moment and we are beginning to see that as an issue.”

Case said a review on the municipality’s emergency management practices is currently underway, adding that communication will be a “key aspect” of this.

“You may see some things coming to budget to try and talk about this. But overall, we are facing a challenge,” he said.

“Weather events are going to be more and more frequent. This is the new life that we live. So, naturally, our response to emergencies is going to change. This plan will be reviewed over the next year, as we move into the new community risk assessment.”

He said emergencies aren’t declared lightly, noting there has to be a “threat to life or property of a major proportion.”

Chatham-Kent itself has experienced not only significant thunderstorms in recent years, but also snowstorms, ice storms, tornados, downbursts, shoreline flooding, river flooding and also the 2021 gas explosion in Wheatley.

“As everyone in this room knows, we are no stranger to emergencies,” he said. “In fact, we’re probably the most prolific emergency declarer in the past three years. It’s not something we’re particularly proud of, but it’s where we found ourselves.

“To be honest, through the summer months it feels like between ourselves, the province, the lower Thames conservation and the St. Clair conservation (authorities), we’re sending out storm warnings two or three times a week,” he said . “And most people are very reactive to that.”

Case said many people follow the 72-hour emergency kit recommendations in order to help themselves and their families during severe weather.

Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew, who had asked the communication question to Case, credited public works for their efforts during the storm and its cleanup.

“It’s much appreciated by the community,” she said. “Hauling away extra brush from the road was probably appreciated more than you probably realize.”

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit https://www.chatham-kent.ca/services/emergencyservices/Pages/Emergency-Preparedness.aspx