With all the evacuations in Argenta and Slocan so far our communities have certainly come together! Wildfires threaten the places we love. Let’s work together and be wildfire ready. Stay informed and take action to help protect your home and community. Stay informed.
Check around the house & outside surroundings:
Check vents on roof, foundation and exterior walls to prevent embers from entering the home.
Complete a scan around the home and property and take steps to remove combustibles.
Remove leaves, pine needles and other debris from your roof and gutters.
Mow grass within 10 metres of the house to 10 centimetres in length, or less.
Clear all dead plants, leaves, and weeds within 10 metres of your home. Maintain a 1.5 metre non-combustible zone around your home and deck.
Move combustible items that are within 10 metres of your home such as propane tanks, doormats, toys, patio furniture, cushions, decorative items, firewood, and potted plants. This includes items on or under decks.
Move all combustible items into your home or garage. If you have a large stationary propane tank located on your property, remove all combustible material surrounding it. If you have a combustible fence that attaches to your home:
Secure gate in an open position.
Clear vegetation and debris along both sides of combustible fence lines
Evacuation Tips:
Monitor conditions and follow the advice of local officials. If ordered to evacuate, do so IMMEDIATELY. An evacuation alert is issued to prepare you to evacuate your premises or property should an evacuation order be made. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible before evacuation is ordered; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO TO PREPARE UNDER AN EVACUATION ALERT
Sign up to the RDCK Emergency Notification System. Go to www.rdck.ca/notification
Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
Pack a grab and go bag and include essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage/tenancy information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
Register online with Emergency Support Services https://ess.gov.bc.ca. Create a profile in the event you are put on Evacuation Order.
Prepare to move disabled persons, children and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible). Prepare leashes, pet carriers and food.
Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles. If transportation assistance is needed, call 250.352.7701 or 1.866.522.7701 (toll free).
Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible. In the event of an Evacuation Order, Reception Centres will be opened if required.
Further information will be issued should the situation change. Please visit www.rdck.ca/EOCinfo for information or call the RDCK Emergency Operation Centre: 250.352.7701 or 1.866.522.7701 (toll free). Wait for an Evacuation Order to be issued before evacuating. If you evacuate before being directed or authorized, you may not yet qualify for Emergency Support Services (ESS) should you need it, as resources will be focused on those who have been ordered to evacuate. If you need further help with online registration for Emergency Support Services (ESS) or general information, call the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258
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