It’s never too early to be prepared for emergencies, which can strike at any time, although with fire season here the threat of wildfires will be uppermost in many people’s minds.
While most people don’t want to think about grab-and-go bags or evacuation alerts and orders, it’s important to know where to go to find reliable information and assistance, what evacuation alerts and orders mean, and what you can do to be prepared.
Emergency alerts
The villages of Ashcroft, Cache Creek, and Clinton, along with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, all subscribe to the Voyent Alert system. The service, which is free for users, allows people to receive emergency alerts issued by their local government.
Residents can download the free app (for Apple and Android products) to receive alerts on their smartphones and other handheld devices. Those who do not have a smartphone, or who have limited connectivity, can go to the Voyent Alert website (https://register.voyent-alert.com) and sign up to receive alerts by text/SMS, email, or via a phone call to a cellphone or landline number.
In the event of an emergency in your community or area, you can also go to your local government’s website or social media pages for information.
BC Wildfire Service
The BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) has a free app which can be downloaded for Apple and Android devices. Users can receive notifications about fires in their area, find out about evacuation alerts and orders and area restrictions, see what fire bans are in place in their region, see if there are any road closures due to wildfires, and much more. All of the information on the app can also be accessed on the web via the B.C. Wildfire Dashboard.
The app also allows users to quickly and easily report a fire, and includes a feature that allows you to take a picture of the fire and submit it with your report, which gives BCWS personnel a better idea of the fire’s size and location. You can report a fire even if you are in an area with limited or no cell service: simply report the fire while you’re offline, and it will automatically be uploaded when you regain internet access.
DriveBC
Whether you’re checking to see about road closures or detours during an emergency, or preparing for a road trip, www.drivebc.ca is the place for up-to-date information about B.C.’s highways. The site provides valuable data for drivers, allowing you to know before you go.
Emergency kit/grab-and-go bag
An easy way to pack an emergency kit is to think of it as “camping at home.” These kits can also come in handy in case of a prolonged power outage. An emergency kit, which can be stored in a plastic container, should contain ready-to-eat food, as well as bottled water. Include a phone charger and battery bank; you can also purchase solar-powered chargers. Keep a small battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, as well as at least one battery-operated or hand-cranked flashlight. Check the batteries at regular intervals, and include spares just in case.
A small first aid kit should be included, as well as copies of prescriptions for medications, and items such as a spare pair of glasses. The kit should also contain copies of important documents (such as insurance papers) and identification, and cash in small bills. An emergency blanket is always handy, as are pieces of seasonal clothing, and you should also include a pen, notepad, and whistle.
A grab-and-go bag is a small emergency kit that’s packed with essentials and is easy to take with you in case you need to leave right away. It can be kept in your home, workplace, or vehicle. For more information about what to pack in an emergency kit or grab-and-go bag, go to the province’s emergency preparedness page at https://bit.ly/3FtaRQP.
Evacuation alerts and orders
These are put in place by local governments on the advice of experts, such as the BC Wildfire Service. First Nations issue their own alerts and orders for band lands. Know where to check for information about alerts and orders in your area (eg. Voyent Alert, your local government website, BC Wildfire Service).
An evacuation alert means that residents in the affected area should be ready to leave quickly, as there is a potential threat to the community or area. This is when you should make sure your grab-and-go bag is ready; it’s also the time to gather valuable documents and medications, as well as precious keepsakes and mementos.
This is the time to get prescriptions renewed and fill up the gas tank on your vehicle(s). If you have pets, put their carriers (along with food, a water bowl, and any medications) in a place where you can get to them quickly and easily.
Many people are not aware that if they leave their community during an evacuation alert, which then becomes an evacuation order while they are away, they cannot return to their home to pick anything up. If you must leave town during an evacuation alert for any reason, take anything you will need during an evacuation with you. If you cannot take your pet, leave a key with a neighbour who can go to your house and pick up your pet.
An evacuation order means that danger is imminent and you must leave immediately. If an evacuation order goes into effect, your local government will make every effort to ensure that an official comes to your door to inform you directly, and provide printed information about next steps, such as evacuation routes and where and how to access emergency support services for assistance with things like accommodation or food vouchers.
In the event of an imminent threat, you do not need to wait for an evacuation order in order to evacuate. Some people — such as those with limited mobility or with health issues — might choose to self-evacuate when an evacuation alert is issued. Be aware, however, that most people are not eligible for emergency support service assistance unless/until an evacuation order is in place for the community or area in which you live.
Emergency support services
If you have to evacuate, you should register with the province’s Emergency Support Services program, even if you do not immediately need support. This allows people to know that you are safe, and also enables you to quickly access support if and when you need it.
You can find information about ESS at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. If you need help with evacuee registration and assistance, call (toll-free) 1-800-387-4258, which is available seven days a week (including statutory holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
