Emergency Operations Centre

EVACUATION ALERT:

Be ready to leave on short notice.

Emergency Preparedness Kits - “Grab and Go Bags”

In an emergency, it is important to have some supplies in case you need to get by without power or running water. Most emergency organizations recommend that you are prepared to be self- sufficient for at least 72 hours. Make a grab and go bag for your pets.

Basic Emergency Kit Checklist:

• Pen and notepad
• Phone charger and battery bank
• Flashlight – wind up or battery powered (and extra batteries)
• Radio – wind up or battery powered (and extra batteries)
• First aid kit
• Personal toiletries and medication
• Seasonal clothing
• Food – non-perishable such as energy bars, dried and canned food; manual can opener
• Water – at least two litres of water per person per day
• Extra keys for car and house
• Cash and change
• Important family documents – identification, insurance, bank records
• Whistle
• Emergency plan and contact information

Flood evacuee guidance

If flooding is imminent but you have not yet been instructed to evacuate, follow these tips:

• Monitor local radio stations, television news and social media for the latest information from your local authorities on sandbagging stations, possible evacuation procedures and routes
• Only use tap water if it has been tested and deemed safe by your local authority. Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, brushing your teeth, dish washing and cooking
• If a flood warning is in effect, shut off electricity to areas that are at risk of flooding and move small appliances, electronics and smaller furniture to upper floors or areas not likely to be affected

If an Evacuation Alert is in place, be ready to leave on short notice. Take the following steps:

• Make sure vehicles are parked away from streams and waterways
• Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent pollution
• Do not attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present
• Use sandbags to block floor drains and toilets to prevent sewage back-up

If an Evacuation Order is in place, you are at risk and must leave immediately. Follow all directions from officials and evacuate using the route(s) they’ve identified. Heed the following advice as you evacuate:

• Do not attempt to cross rivers or flowing streams
• Do not drive or walk across flooded roads – 6 inches of rushing water can knock an adult off their feet; 2 feet of water can carry away most vehicles – including trucks and SUVs
• If your car begins to flood, abandon it quickly and head to higher ground

Protect Your Home

FireSmart your home. Download the FireSmartTM Homeowner’s Manual and Landscaping Guide https://firesmartbc.ca/resource-types/guides-manuals/ to decrease the intensity of a wildfire and slow its spread.

Download Prepared BC’s Wildfire Preparedness Guide

The Wildfire Preparedness Guide will help prepare you for what to do before, during and after a wildfire https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/wildfires‍

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