Procedure plans for resident evacuation and public help during fire season in the Okanagan
If residents have to evacuate:
Take an emergency survival kit with you (ex. battery-operated radio, flashlight, water, food, warm clothing, etc.).
Make sure you take prescription medicine and identification for the entire family.
Listen to the radio and follow instructions from local emergency officials.
Shut off water, gas and electricity, but ONLY if instructed to do so.
Make arrangements for pets. Local emergency officials will advise you.
Wear clothes and shoes appropriate to conditions.
Lock up your home.
Follow the routes specified by emergency officials.
Don’t take shortcuts. A shortcut could take you to a blocked or dangerous area.
If you have time, leave a note telling others when you left and where you went.
Contact Emergency Services
The public is asked to:
BOATERS MUST STAY AWAY FROM THE AREA – DO NOT INTERFERE WITH ON WATER AND AERIAL FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS.
Stay tuned to the media for further information. Please do not call the Fire Department or other emergency services for information.
DO NOT CALL 911 unless it's a life threatening emergency during evacuation period
Remain calm
Stay by the phone to receive a call if a family member(s) may have been impacted.
Visit the City of Kelowna Evacuation Procedures for more details on the various stage alerts that area residents may be advised of during fire season. The British Columbia Forest Service, Wildfire Management Branch offers all kinds of information related to Don't forget that it costs BC tax payers millions of dollars each year to fight the hundreds of forest fires throughout this beautiful province of ours! If you spot a fire dial *5555 on your cel or call toll free 1-800-663-5555
It's simply really when you think about it...be mindful of your surroundings and think responsibly at all times.
Be safe out there and have an amazing summer!
Jason Neumann
Posted by Jason Neumann
on August 10, 2010