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Now that October has arrived, here’s an important reminder: winter tires or chains are required on most routes in British Columbia from October 1 to March 31.

Find out more:

Designated Winter Tires and Chain-up routes

Shift into Winter

Winter driving tips

According to Operation Lifesaver, an organization aimed at preventing collisions at railway crossings and railway trespassing incidents in Canada,  more than 100 Canadians are seriously injured or killed as the result of these incidents every year.  Operation Lifesafer says almost every one of these incidents is preventable. Have a look at these initiatives to help stop track tragedies as we mark Rail Safety Week, September 23-29, 2018.

The start of the new school year is a good time for parents and teachers to review 9-1-1 calling tips for kids. We have a number of resources to help kids understand how to use 9-1-1.

Here are some tips for children:

What do I need to know about 9-1-1?
• 9-1-1 is here to help you day and night.
• 9-1-1 is for when you need help from the police, the fire department or an ambulance.
• You don’t need to speak English to get help from 9-1-1.
• A 9-1-1 operator will ask where you are and what’s happening

What happens when I call 9-1-1?
1. A 9-1-1 operator will ask you questions about what’s happening and where you are.
2. Try to stay calm, speak clearly and do your best to answer the 9-1-1 operator’s questions.
3. Follow any instructions the 9-1-1 operator gives you.
4. Stay on the phone and don’t hang up until the 9-1-1 operator tells you to.

We have published the summer 2018 edition of e-communiqué, our quarterly stakeholder newsletter.

The summer 2018 edition of e-communiqué includes:

• A recap of Annual General Meeting detailing technology and services accomplishments for 2017.
• An update on planning and construction of the new South Island 9-1-1/Police Dispatch Centre in Saanich. Scheduled to open in early 2019, the centre amalgamates 9-1-1 call-answer and police dispatch services for the Victoria, Saanich, Central Saanich and Oak Bay police departments and local RCMP detachments.
• E-Comm’s recent public education campaign – detailing the differences between emergency and non-emergency calls – has been recognized with two national Canadian advertising awards.
• Firefighters in the City of Langley and the Township of Langley are now using better radio equipment to help protect people and property, since joining the E-Comm Wide-Area Radio Network.

Visit our publications page for details.

During periods of poor air quality, here are some tips from the Government of British Columbia:

• Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes difficult or you feel unwell.
• Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
• Carry any rescue medications with you at all times.
• Make sure that children and others who cannot care for themselves follow the same advice.

Find out more about the latest air quality advisories and smoky skies bulletins in B.C. on the B.C. Air Quality website.

Here is the current air quality index for B.C. communities from Environment Canada.

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about air quality.