PreparedBC has released a new Wildfire Preparedness Guide to ensure British Columbians are ready for what will likely be another busy wildfire season.
Created in partnership with FireSmart BC and the Office of the Fire Commissioner, the new guide provides information on what to do before, during and after a wildfire, including advice on mitigating risk, managing stress and coping with smoke.
It's currently available for download from the PreparedBC website. Print copies will be available to regional districts, municipalities, band offices and local authorities via the PreparedBC online ordering system in the next couple weeks.
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Build Your Grab-And-Go Bags
In the event of a wildfire, you may need to leave home quickly. Take time now to build grab-and-go bags for each member of your household so you're not caught off guard.
Start with our basic list then consider the additional needs of your household. Do you have pets? Do you have young children? Are you a foster parent? Are you caring for seniors or people with disabilities? If yes, prepare and customize bags specific to their needs.
Basic bag list:
- Bottled water and ready-to eat food, like high-calorie power bars
- Phone charger and battery bank
- mall battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Small first aid kit and personal medications
- Toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses & solution
- Copy of your emergency plan and copies of important documents, such as insurance papers
- Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
- Pen and notepad
- Whistle
For more advice on building grab-and-go bags, go to www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC/emergencykit
TIP: Have grab-and-go bags at home, at work and in your vehicle. That way you’ll always be ready for the unexpected. Refresh supplies when the clocks spring forward and fall back.
TIP: Pets are part of the family too. Pack them grab-and-go bags with food, water, leashes and carriers. It’s a good idea to include a recent picture, along with copies of vaccination records and health information. Consider talking to your municipality, regional district or band office about what organizations or resources are available for animals during emergencies. Plan ahead for where they might stay.
For more information visit:
Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery