Emergency Preparedness

Being fire prepared

Residents should protect their homes and be fire smart.

• Maintain a fire safe zone around your home. This means no flammable, dry debris or firewood within 2 meters of the house.
  • Prune lower branches on trees to within 2 metres of the ground
• Decrease density of trees to 3 metres to reduce the opportunity for flames to jump tree to tree
  • When it is time for a new roof or siding consider fire-resistant material.

Preparing for evacuation

If you are under evacuation alert it means get ready to go. You might not be evacuated but if you are, you need to be prepared.

Here is what you need to do:

• Put gas in the car. Get extra if you can.
  • Pack your essentials.
• Have your bags at the door, in your trailer or in your car ready at a moment's notice.
  • Let your family know you are on alert and where you plan to go if you are evacuated
• Designate an emergency contact person who lives outside the area.

Evacuation order

If you are under evacuation order, it means:

• You are at risk.
  • Leave the area immediately.
• Local police or RCMP enforce evacuation orders.
  • You are encouraged to register all family members at the reception centre so emergency responders know that you are safe (it also records your information in case you may be eligible for support services during the evacuation).
• Listen to the radio, check local news sites, the District's or Regional District's website, and Facebook pages for information on the best routes to take, shelter sites and changes to the evacuation order.

Prepare

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
  • Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
  • Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
  • Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
  • Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 5 degrees or higher.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

During an outage

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
  • Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove to heat your home.
  • Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
  • If safe, go to an alternate location for heat or cooling.
• Check on neighbors.