(CFJC Today/File photo).

By Aaron Schulze

Evacuation

B.C. government provides guidelines on what to do in an evacuation order and alert

Jul 4, 2021 | 1:25 PM

VICTORIA — Due to the ongoing threat of wildfires to communities and citizens, many communities around British Columbia have been put on evacuation order or evacuation alert, and the B.C. government is asking people to be prepared.

Individuals in communities that have been placed under an evacuation alert must be prepared to leave their homes on short notice. Those who have been placed under an evacuation order must leave the area immediately.

Residents are asked to stay calm, listen to local public officials, and if possible, access online social media channels like B.C. Wildfire, Emergency Info B.C., or local government websites for information updates.

In the event an evacuation alert is issued, residents in the affect area should pack an emergency kit with important documents – insurance and personal papers such as birth certificates – ready to go. Along with several days’ clothing, medicine and prescriptions, comfort items for children, pet supplies, and precious photos and mementoes that cannot be replaced.

Residents on evacuation alert are also encouraged to check in on any family, friends, or neighbours who may need a helping hand due to mobility or other issues.

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For an evacuation order, local authorities will not ask residents to leave without good reason and failing to leave when asked by officials puts them and others at risk.

When an evacuation order is issued, residents are asked to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes to help protect from unforeseen hazards.

People are also asked to:

• collect family members or go to the place designated in their family plan as a meeting place
• plan to take pets with them in kennels or on a leash; pets are not permitted in public shelters
• grab their emergency kit and follow the directions to the identified reception centre
• follow the routes specified by emergency officials; avoid shortcuts
• take critical items such as medicine, purses, wallets, and keys
• close all doors and windows; do not lock them.
• take a cellphone if they have one.
• shut off water at the main line into their home, switch off electricity at the breaker panel, and leave natural gas service on – if there is time and it is safe to do so,
• stay well away from any downed power lines.
• sign up with the registration desk at a reception centre so they can be contacted or reunited with family and loved ones
• contact out-of-area emergency contact to let them know what has happened, that they are alright, and how to contact them; alert them to any separated family members

Local authority officials will advise when it is safe to return home.

Evacuees are encouraged to register online, if they have not already done so.