Evacuations from wildfires are front and centre in the news right now. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by these disasters. You may be wondering: how can I be more prepared?
First, while we should all be prepared for evacuations, most emergencies do not require evacuations. Most of the time, it is best to avoid unnecessary travel or shelter in place.
Evacuations are typically smaller in nature, the most common being single-residence structure fires that result in an uninhabitable structure. There is a common perception that the whole island may need to be evacuated. While we never say never in emergency management, it is more likely that a smaller area is directly impacted.
Know Your Hazards
Hazard emergencies that could require an evacuation include:
- Fire – structure and wildfire
- Flooding
- Landslides
- Tsunamis and earthquakes
- HAZMAT incidents
- Storms (tree on house, etc.)
Make a Plan
Prepare for an evacuation.
Plan where to stay if you need to leave home on short notice. Learn how to be ready for an evacuation.
- Check your home or tenant insurance. It may cover living expenses if you are evacuated.
- If you may need government support to meet your basic needs, create a profile for Emergency Support Services in advance.
- If you are evacuated, log into your profile. You may be able to access support online, by phone, or at a reception centre.
What Do I Do During an Emergency?
- Stay calm!
- Follow your emergency plan.
- Get your emergency kit.
- Ensure your own safety before aiding others.
How Do I Know When to Evacuate?
First, if you see an imminent threat, such as flames, that would be a good time to get to safety.
There are three types of notices:
- Evacuation Alert: Be ready to leave on short notice.
- Evacuation Order: You are at risk. Leave the area immediately.
- Tactical evacuation: This happens when a sudden threat to life requires immediate action and there is no time to prepare or issue written warnings. These types of evacuations are often coordinated by the RCMP or fire rescue, with assistance from other agencies.
- Evacuation Rescinded: The risk to life and safety has now passed.
Stay Informed
Monitor Alertable and the Emergency Dashboard for active alerts.
If you get an Emergency Alert:
- Stop what you are doing.
- Read the alert and find out if you are in the affected area.
- Follow all directions immediately.
What Route Do I Take?
Ideally, you are aware of two ways out of each room in a workplace or home, two ways off the property, and two ways out of the neighbourhood and Pod.
Means of egress could be road access, by trail, by water, or by air.
Where Do I Go?
Directions to the Reception Centre will be provided in the evacuation order.
Ideally, you will have an alternate location preidentified where you can stay, such as with friends or family.
Build Your Kits
For evacuations, a grab-and-go kit that will sustain you for 72 hours is ideal. For sheltering in place, an emergency kit with a two-week supply is recommended.
Don’t forget about your pets. If you have livestock, register for the Premises ID Program.
Connect With Your Neighbours
Emergency Management Salt Spring Island has 60 “Pods” organized for emergency preparedness. Each Pod has one or two Pod Coordinators, and as many Neighbourhood Coordinators as required.
The Pod program currently has over 350 volunteer leaders across our island. They form the network that allows each Pod to receive critical and accurate information in a timely manner.
They inform and encourage residents to be personally prepared for emergencies, and to be aware of communication processes during and after an emergency.
Our coordinators remind residents of the need to maintain personal readiness and resilience while also promoting the Pod program’s theme of “neighbours helping neighbours.”
Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering for Salt Spring Island:
- Emergency Support Services: esslssi@crd.bc.ca
- Pod Program: ssipod@crd.bc.ca
