JEL Protection Ltd (named after my sons Jake and Evan) began in the Emergency Management field in 2004.

In 2005 we were hired by the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) to develop the first Pandemic Influenza Preparedness plans specifically designed for Indigenous communities. Working in conjunction with Medial Health Officers from both VIHA and First Nation Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), planning documents were prepared and we completed plans in each community on Vancouver Island, along with performing table top exercises.

From 2006 until 2013, we were contracted by FNIHB to work within Indigenous communities throughout British Columbia, completing community pandemic influenza plans, EOC/ICS training and tabletop exercises. During these years we proudly worked with and in every community in BC on several occasions.

In 2008, JEL was hired by the Inter Tribal Health Authority to work with each of their Nations developing Emergency Preparedness programs. This project required the coordinated effort of gathering and analyzing historical, environmental, and community specific hazards used in the formulation of community emergency programs. As a part of this project, we developed and provided EOC/ICS training, as well as performed table top exercises specifically designed for that community, based on their own plans.

Also in 2008, we were hired by First Nation Emergency Services Society of BC to develop the first Indigenous community specific emergency planning templates and training guidelines used throughout BC by FNESS staff and contractors.

In 2009 we were hired by FNIHB to work closely with Indigenous communities throughout BC during the H1N1 pandemic outbreak. In that year our team worked with 152 communities in a 9 month period of time, ensuring those communities were as prepared as possible in order to successfully manage the H1N1 outbreak.

For the past 14 years JEL Protection Ltd has continued to work throughout British Columbia in the emergency management field creating: Evacuation Plans for Regional Districts; Business Continuity plans with Tribal Health Authorities; Full Scale Exercises; Evacuation Exercises; EOC/ISC training; and most importantly, incredible friendships.

The one thing we are most proud of over the past 14 years is the emergency preparedness partnership we have maintained with the Haisla Nation. Their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of their community and its members is like none other…….and it feels like home.

Byron Loucks