Approximately 24 hours before Boundary Trails Health Centre staff were stormed in and forced to stay overnight, SERC (Southern Emergency Response Committee) serendipitously received 30 new cots.

They were quickly put to use and gratefully accepted by staff and guests as a winter storm December 6 closed all roads leading to the hospital. The Code Grey (incoming staff unable to make it to the hospital) meant a number of staff spent more than 24 hours at BTHC before roads were cleared.

The timely purchase was thanks to a generous $3,000 donation from the Winkler Community Foundation.

"Any kind of assistance we can get from the community increases are preparedness and allows us to serve the community," Ron Vanderwees, Emergency Reception Centre Manager, says. "It's a wonderful thing."

While the region hasn't experienced a major disaster Vanderwees explains emergency preparedness means you never know when your services will be needed.

"So that when we're called out we're organized, we know exactly what to do... and can quickly have a shelter in place."

Since its inception nearly eight years ago, Vanderwees says SERC has become a well-oiled machine, regularly training and hosting mock disasters.

"If it wasn't for the leadership we have in this area we wouldn't near as prepared as we are," he says.