If you live and work in BC, it is important to plan and be prepared for wildfires threatening communities, services, and forests, and be ready to evacuate without much notice. Wildfires can spread quickly so you likely will not have much time to get ready if an evacuation is ordered.
Being prepared will not only improve a workplace’s response in the event of an emergency, but also will aid in the recovery after a fire.
Your local municipalities and regional districts have a lot of excellent information on how to prepare for the risks of a wildfire and the protocols in place if there is a wildfire in or near the community. So, check their websites for information.
In addition to any local guidelines, also consider the following points.
Before A Wildfire:
- Prepare an evacuation plan as part of your Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to help avoid confusion and prevent injuries. A thorough evacuation plan should include:
- Conditions that will activate the plan
- Chain of command
- Emergency functions and who will perform them
- Specific evacuation procedures, including alternative routes, exits, muster points and check-in procedures.
- Procedures for accounting for on-site personnel, visitors, etc.
- Required equipment and emergency supply kits
- Review the plan with workers
- Practice your ERP and ensure all workers know what to do in case of an emergency. Conduct evacuation drills regularly and update plans and procedures based on lessons learned from exercises.
- In addition to your worksite, develop a plan for your home as well. Create a grab-and-go bag and make sure that your family knows what to do even if separated (someone is at work, for example). Have a plan for your pets and livestock.
- Where possible, make a safety zone around your business, worksite, or residence. Remove combustible materials and reduce the volume of vegetation to a minimum around buildings. This will reduce the spread of wildfire and may protect the buildings and equipment within.
- Consider FireSmartBC recommendations for homes and businesses. Frequently mowing grass and replacing vegetation with less flammable species can provide better protection against spreading wildfires.
- For indoor work or homes, consider investing in HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters and maintain filters as instructed by the manufacturer. For outdoor work, implement a respiratory protection program—which may include masks—for workers working in smoky conditions.
During wildfire season:
- Even if not under an evacuation order, workers may be exposed to both smoke and extreme heat during their regular work. Follow a heat stress prevention program which considers the added stress due to reduced air quality. When it is not possible for workers to spend time in cooler and cleaner air, provide access to cool water and encourage them to drink regularly.
- Prevent human caused wildfires. Understand and follow the current fire restrictions, maintain your equipment, and have sufficient fire suppression equipment ready if something happens.
- Maintain high levels of situational awareness when there are fires in the area. Be aware of fire conditions, including the current fire danger rating and the location of any active forest fires in the region. Monitor your immediate area for changes in weather, including changes in smoke. Keep connected with public notices and communicate regularly with your workers.
- Employers should check in regularly with workers about their mental and physical health. Wildfire and smoke events can be mentally and emotionally challenging. Feeling anxious, stressed, sad, or isolated is not uncommon, but eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising indoors, and staying in contact with friends can help. Remind workers of the supports offered by the organization, like an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and encourage anyone having trouble coping with stress, anxiety, or depression to seek help. Remember to check in with workers and other people who are in your care or live nearby who may be more vulnerable to poor air quality.
If there is a need to evacuate:
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- There are often two stages of an evacuation notice – an evacuation alert and an evacuation order.
- While the specifics of each may change depending on the jurisdiction you are in, generally, if you are under an evacuation alert, you should be ready to leave on short notice. This is the time where you can double check your evacuation plan, stock up on anything additional that you need, and take care of any livestock that you have.
- Once an evacuation order has been given, you must leave immediately with everything that you need. In most cases you will not be allowed to return to pick up anything you forgot, including pets or other animals.
- The evacuation order should include details about check-in points outside of the community, places to stay (such as community centres in neighbouring municipalities), and where to meet for alternate transportation and times for those who cannot leave on their own.
- If you are susceptible to the health effects of wildfire smoke and smoke levels in your community are high, evaluate if it is possible to temporarily re-locate to an area with cleaner air. You may also choose to leave your community before an evacuation order is issued.
- Continue to listen to news updates for information about the fire throughout the evacuation. Only return home when the authorities say it is safe to do so.
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