(ADAM PROSKIW / iNFOnews.ca)

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - During fire season, it’s always best to keep an emergency plan in place in case you are under evacuation alert. An alert doesn’t mean you have to leave your home right away, but it’s time to get personal items at the ready in case the alert becomes an evacuation order.

DURING AN EVACUATION ALERT:

Proper authorities will let at-risk residents know the fire is approaching the area. Often there will be a door-to-door service conducted by RCMP officers or other personnel assisting with evacuation management.

Warnings could also be transmitted by pamphlets, warning calls and sirens with mobile public announcements.

Pay close attention to media reports at this time. B.C. Wildfire and local authorities will provide media with regular updates.

Log on to www.infonews.ca and check TOP NEWS.

Contact family and develop an evacuation plan in case you are ordered to leave.

Plans will be in place to evacuate those who need extra assistance in moving, such as wheelchair-bound residents.

Do not call 9-1-1 for information. Only call for emergencies.

DURING AN EVACUATION ORDER:

You are under order to leave your home immediately.

Take the bare essentials with you as you head out the door. This includes wallets, purses, medication and other personal effects such as a passport. Never leave your pet behind.

Each fire is different. Evacuees will be designated to a specific evacuation centre. Typical locations are often nearby churches, schools, community centre or recreation centres.

You will not be permitted to return to your home until the order has been lifted.

All arrangements for food, hotels and other necessities can be made at the evacuation centre with Emergency Social Services.

Additional services may involve emotional support, first aid, child minding, pet care and transportation services.

The provincial emergency response team will manage evacuees for the first 72-hours upon evacuation in order to provide temporary relief.

During this time, evacuees are encouraged to plan their next steps. This includes contacting insurance agents, family, friends and local non-profit agencies.

Emergency Social Services may be extended past the 72-hours on a case-by-case basis.

Should numbers grow, other non-profit agencies may assist the teams. 

WHEN EVACUATION ORDER IS LIFTED:

You will be permitted to return to your home.

To contact a reporter for this story, email gbrothen@infotelnews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014