After a record-breaking heat wave, the risk of wildfires has elevated far beyond normal for most of Western Canada. With approximately 8,000 wildfires occurring each year in Canada, they can cause extensive damage and put lives in danger. We wanted to share some important resources to help you through this season, that could help protect your family and your business.
Checklist On How to Prepare:
Prepare Your Home or Business
Whenever possible, use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate or make repairs.
Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.
Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, or other flammable materials around your property.Plan to keep wildfire smoke outside your home or business by closing off outside air.
Make sure every floor and all sleeping areas have working smoke detectors.
Make An Emergency Plan
Learn your evacuation routes for your home and/or business and identify where you will go.
Practice your emergency plan on a regular basis.
Create a checklist of what to do if a wildfire is approaching your property, including turning off propane or natural gas.
Gather Supplies
Make grab & go bags with medications, pet supplies, and essential items such as cell phone chargers.
If possible, set aside a respirator in case you are exposed to smoke.
Research Insurance Coverage
Discuss your coverage with your insurance company or representative. If you leave your home due to a mandatory evacuation order, most homeowner and tenant insurance policies will provide coverage for reasonable living expenses for a specified time.
Prepare Your Business Response Plan
All business owners should have a comprehensive strategy to manage the risks they face.
Keep Track of Fires Near You So You Can Be Ready
There are many resources available to track fires and evacuation orders, such as local media, alert apps, and government websites. We’ve included several links below:
Resources:
Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre: https://www.ciffc.ca/index.php
Natural Resources Canada - National Wildland Fire Situation Report: https://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/report
Get Prepared: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/wldfrs-en.aspx
EmergencyInfoBC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Alberta Emergency Alert: https://emergencyalert.alberta.ca/
SaskAlert: http://emergencyalert.saskatchewan.ca/