Current Alerts, Orders and Advisories

Evacuation Types

• Tactical Evacuation

  This type of evacuation means there is an immediate threat to the life and safety of individuals.  An emergency of this sort does not allow for any warnings or time to prepare to evacuate.   You must:

  • Leave IMMEDIATELY.
  • Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
  • Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
  • Shut off all propane, gas and electric appliances (other than refrigerators and freezers).  In case of a flood, shut off main electrical breaker. 
  • Close all windows and doors. Pull back curtains.
• Evacuation Alert

  An Evacuation Alert provides you with advance notice of danger in your area and the possibility of an upcoming evacuation.  Residents are given as much advance notice as possible.  An alert is a warning that you may need to leave your home on short notice. This is the time to gather your important documents and keepsakes and prepare yourself with several days of clothing, toiletries,  and medication.  Organize yourself so, in the case of an Evacuation Order, you can leave within 15 minutes.

  When an alert is issued you do not need to leave but you need to get ready. 

  I’ve been placed on an Evacuation Alert. What do I do?

  • Locate all family members and designate a meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.

  • Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents, and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.

  • Ensure you have a means of communication and important phone numbers.

  • Prepare to move persons with disabilities, children, and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.

  • Prepare to take pets and their food with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).

  • Arrange transportation for all your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.

  • Arrange accommodation for all members of the residence, if possible. If you have an RV – we consider utilizing it.

  • You do not need to evacuate unless an Evacuation Order is issued. Early Evacuation prior to an Order being placed will not be eligible for Emergency Support Services. Persons with disabilities can receive assistance for early evacuation if required. Contact your local jurisdiction for details.

  • Monitor the news, radio, and online sources for information on evacuation orders and the location of Reception Centres.

• Evacuation Order

  If an Evacuation Order is issued we encourage residents to follow these recommendations for their own safety.  An Evacuation Order will only be issued if there is imminent potential for loss of life or injury. 

  When an order is issued you must leave immediately. 

  I’ve been placed on an Evacuation Order. What do I do?

  • You must leave IMMEDIATELY.

  • Shut off all water and electric appliances (other than refrigerators and freezers).  In case of a flood shut off main electrical breaker. 

  • Close all windows and doors. Pull back curtains.

  • Close gates (latch) - but do not lock.

  • Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.

  • Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than you have to.

  • Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency services.

  • Follow the evacuation route provided with the order

  • Once you are evacuated, register as an evacuee online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca or at the designated Reception Centre indicated with the order.

• Evacuation Rescinded

  When local authorities deem the area to be safe, an Evacuation Alert or Order will be rescinded. A Rescind declaration means that you can return home. Stay tuned to local communication channels or networks for more information.

• Risks and Dangers of Not Evacuating

  If you receive an evacuation order you may not want to leave your home to stay and protect your property. Evacuation orders are issued for the safety of residents and with the best interests of firefighters in mind.  Choosing to remain in an area that is under an Evacuation Order puts yourself, your family, and your first responders in danger. 

  Keep in mind:

  • The route you planned on taking may become impassible. 

  • Services you rely on,  such as water and electricity may not be available. 

  • Help may not be unavailable if it poses a high risk to the responder's safety or if access is blocked. 

Emergency Preparedness Links