EMERGENCY RESPONSE ADVISORY

Brothers and Sisters:

With the current climate challenges that we are dealing with I felt it important to share this. 

Currently there are approx. 450 forest fires currently burning in B.C., with 78 in our area, and 64 declared out of control. This year BC is on track to set records for wildfires. 

The number of individuals and families impacted due to EVACUATION ALERTS/ORDERS has increased significantly. As your Stake Emergency Response Specialist, I would be remiss if I did not put out this advisory. 

We encourage all members under an evacuation alert or order to follow any and all directions given by your local authorities. They will have more information than we will have. In addition to the above, here is some additional information The province has a program under the purview of Emergency Management BC, called Emergency Support Services. 

The link is:  https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/local-emergency-programs/ess

1. Emergency Support Services is a provincial program delivered by First Nations and Local Authorities that meets the basic needs of British Columbians impacted by disasters by providing short-term support in a compassionate manner. 

2. Your First Nation or local government will instruct you to register for Emergency Support Services in one of two ways: In person at a designated evacuee Reception Centre. This information is often included in Evacuation Order documents. Online using the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool. This can help streamline the process for registering and planning. 

3. The ESS program is staffed by trained volunteers whose duties include: Volunteer coordinating the provision of food, clothing, and lodging, emotional support, pet care, transportation, family reunification, identifying locations for reception centres and group lodging to house and feed people forced from their homes, working with local businesses, service organizations and government agencies, and providing information about the crisis. I have attached a detailed 72hr evacuation kit. You can add or delete from it as you see fit. This, at the very least gives each of you a starting point. It is important that you have it readily accessible in case you must evacuate. Additionally, I would ask each of you to review the following: 

EVACUATION PLANNING 

1. Determine the best ways to evacuate your home in case of an emergency such as a home fire. 

2. Make sure adults and older children know where fire extinguishers, water, electric and gas utilities are located. 

3. Make sure everyone in the house knows the location of your emergency kit. 

4. Establish a safe place for your family to meet outside your home and outside your neighbourhood. 

5. Include a plan for evacuating your pets. 

6. Practice your evacuation plan frequently. 

7. If a member of your family has special needs that would require extra assistance, include those details into your family emergency plan and emergency kit. 

8. Know the plans for your workplace, school, community centre, etc. in the event a disaster happens when you are not at home. 

9. If you circumstances dictate that you can shelter in place, prepare to be self-sufficient in your home for at least three days (or seven to 10 days in a health emergency). 

MEDICATIONS

1. Are they accessible and up to date. 

2. Do you have a copy/picture of them and prescribing doctor, in case you have to refill while evacuated. 

3. Have your Provincial health care, and additional health care/insurance info readily available, ie picture on your phone. 

FUNDS 

1. Accessible funds for 72 hours (cash, as access to ATM/Banks may be limited) Communications 

EVACUATION ALERTS/ORDERS

1. Dealing with an Alert or order can be a stressful event for you and extended family. They will try to contact you to find out how you are. 

2. For you, dealing with getting ready or leaving is stressful, and trying to do what you need to with everyone calling, although loving, can distract you. 

3. There have been times when cell phone service is interrupted during an emergency. Also, the government has the authority, depending on the severity of the event to suspend service. 

4. SO, consider this……..Leave a message on your voice mail. This way if someone is trying to contact you, the message will give them pertinent information such as: your condition, where you are, or are heading etc. 

5. Additionally: contact your assigned ministering families to ensure they are prepared that they have a plan in place. And for those with challenges, please try and remain in regular contact with them. 

MEALS/EATING 

1. Keep utensils simple, spoon/knife, large mug. They are multifunctional. i.e., the mug can be cup or bowl/plate. 

2. Canned food is precooked, so it can be consumed right out of the can. 

3. Heating of canned food – place inside coat/shirt for a bit, it will warm up to body temp. 

4. If evacuation centre has meals for you, let staff know of any dietary/health restrictions. 

Additional hints: If you are evacuated, consider the following: 

1. Be patient, emergency services have a lot to do and deal with, including their own families. Remember, that they have left loved ones to help you. 

2. If you are settled at your new location, consider offering to assist, even the offer will be appreciated 

3. Take time to be polite, and considerate, this will go a long way in keeping things calm. 

4. Don’t distract them un-necessarily. They will give regular updates and information. 

5. As time permits, update your voicemail, access to charging outlets may be limited. 

Finally, I it is my hope and prayer that you will be safe.

Gord Sands

Stake Emergency Response Specialist

...