Every year in B.C., the risk of wildfires and flooding requires people to be evacuated.
The evacuation process has three key stages and the approach is consistent for all types of emergencies throughout the province.
“There is never a good time to experience an emergency or be asked to leave your home. Being unprepared only makes things worse,” said Lawrie Skolrood, with the Vernon Fire Department.
With an evacuation alert, a warning is issued about an imminent threat to life and property, and people are asked to be ready to leave on short notice.
When the population is determined to be at imminent risk, an evacuation order is issued and people must leave the area immediately. Local police or RCMP enforce evacuation orders.
An evacuation order or alert is rescinded when it’s safe for residents to return home.
“It is important for you and your family to put together grab-and-go kits for your home, office and car,” said Skolrood.
“This kit has the very basic supplies you would need in case of an unexpected evacuation. You might be asked to leave the area on short notice and register at a reception centre.”
Items may include:
Flashlight
Battery powered radio
First aid kit
Multi-purpose tool
Cash
Identification
Prescription medication and eyeglasses
Personal items
Basic survival items like water and energy bars
Garbage bag or emergency poncho
What happens when disaster strikes and there is no warning?
“Emergency services helping the most critical in need, might not be readily available and might take some time to get to you,” said Skolrood.
‘You and your family could be on your own for an extended period of time. Can you and your family survive for 72 hours?”
Basic items you will need to survive for 72 hours:
Water – at least two litres of water per person per day (including small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order).
Food – that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods.
Manual can opener
Flashlight and batteries
Candles and matches or lighter.
Battery-powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries)
First aid kit
Special items such as prescription medications, infant formula and equipment for people with disabilities
Extra keys for your car and house
Some cash in smaller bills (travellers cheques are also useful) and change for pay phones
A copy of your emergency plan including contact information.
