Storm, online news block spur look at how CK informs public

With social media giants blocking Canadian news, Chatham-Kent officials will look at how best to communicate with the public in the wake of a recent, damaging storm.

Fire and emergency services Chief Chris Case told council Sept. 11 that challenges arose last month amid the dispute between tech giants, such as Meta and Google, and Ottawa over Bill C-18, which aims to compel the firms to cut compensation deals with news operations for posting or linking to their work.

The latest storm devastated trees and property and led to numerous power outages, but caused 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,” he added.

A review of municipal emergency management practices is underway, Case said, and 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 must be a “threat to life or property of a major proportion.”

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

“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. . . 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 72-hour emergency kit recommendations to help themselves and their families during severe weather.

Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew, who had asked Case about the communication issue, 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 chatham-kent.ca/services/emergencyservices/Pages/Emergency-Preparedness.aspx