Ryan Hobbs has always enjoyed helping people and his new volunteer position allows him to do just that.
As the new emergency co-ordinator for the District of Highlands, he will help organize and co-ordinate neighbourhood groups, emergency telecommunications, maintain the emergency plan and attend regional meetings on emergency preparedness.
So far, Hobbs has been learning the ropes and reviewing what is currently in place. He also plans to meet with other municipalities to compare notes on emergency preparedness.
Hobbs moved to Highlands in 2009 and is aware of some of the challenges the rural community has.
"In our first winter here we went three days without power," he said.
He lives in the Hannington Creek Estates subdivision, where the well has a backup generator. Most homes in the district are dependent on well water and the pumps are powered with electricity.
Other potential issues in the tiny municipality are forest fires and even tsunamis.
"Highlands district goes right down to the water. There is one seasonal home on an island within the district (that could be affected),” Hobbs said.
By day, Hobbs works as a quality assurance lead in the information technology department at B.C. Ferries. He expects his attention to detail will help him in his new volunteer position.
"I am picky by nature and picky by trade.”
For more information on the Highlands emergency preparedness program, email him at rhobbs@highlands.ca.
charla@goldstreamgazette.com