Evacuation alerts and orders
Evacuation alerts and orders are put in place by local governments on the advice of experts such as the BC Wildfire Service. Note that First Nations determine whether there is an alert or order on Band land. Know where to go to check for alerts and orders, depending on where you live (municipality, electoral area, or First Nation reserve). In the North Thompson-Cariboo, residents can stay up-to-date by signing up for the Emergency Notification System through Voyent Alert! or by checking out their website. You can also call their emergency info line at 1-866-759-4977.
Evacuation alert
An EVACUATION ALERT means that residents in the affected area should be ready to leave quickly, as there is a potential threat to the community or area. This is the time to get your emergency kit and/or grab-and-go bags ready (they should include several days of clothing, toiletries, and all medications), prepare an emergency plan, and gather together copies of important documents, as well as precious mementos and keepsakes. Listen to local emergency officials for further information on the situation.
If you have pets, put their carriers in a place where you can get to them quickly and easily. Don’t forget their food, a water bowl, and any medications they need. Make sure you have a plan in place about what to do if there is an evacuation order when members of your family are in different places, and keep your vehicle(s) fuelled up. Keep devices (cellphones, tablets) charged up, and have charging cables in your grab-and-go bag. If you have backup chargers, make sure they’re fully charged. A solar-powered charger is a good item to have on hand in case of a power outage.
Evacuation order
An EVACUATION ORDER means danger is imminent and you must leave immediately. If an evacuation order is issued, officials will go door-to door delivering the notice, which will contain information about where and how to register for Emergency Support Services. Follow the directions of local emergency officials and evacuate using the route(s) they have identified.
You do not have to wait for an evacuation order to be issued in order to evacuate, and some people such as those with limited mobility or with health issues might choose to self-evacuate. However, you are not eligible for Emergency Support Services (ESS) assistance (such as accommodation or food vouchers) unless an evacuation order is in place for the community or area where you live.
If your area is under an evacuation alert, and that alert turns into an order while you are out of the area, you do not get to return to your home to gather anything, no matter how prepared you might be. If you have to travel out of your area for any reason — work, school, shopping — take essential items with you in case the situation changes quickly.
