With up to 30 mm of rain expected to fall today, Victoria’s extreme weather protocol has been activated.
The extreme weather protocol is implemented when conditions are deemed severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of homeless persons including temperatures near zero with rainfall that makes it difficult or impossible for people to remain dry; sleet or freezing rain; snow accumulation; sustained high winds and temperatures at or below zero. The protocol adds 100 beds for a total of 465 emergency shelter beds and mats available.
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The extreme weather protocol is a community program involving various faith groups, social service agencies, fire and police working together to increase the number of shelter spaces available during acute winter weather conditions.
Greater Victoria Extreme Weather Response Communication Plan at vewp.net is updated daily showing protocol status and shelter availability.
Once the decision has been made to activate the protocol, the co-ordinator communicates with participants to confirm operational readiness.
c.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca
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