With the fire danger rating climbing throughout the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), the RDOS FireSmart team is reminding residents to prepare now for potential wildfire emergencies. This includes creating an emergency plan, preparing your grab-and-go bag and knowing what to expect if an evacuation alert or order is issued.

“With extreme heat temperatures now here, forest fuels are drying and wildfires are at risk of igniting at any time. By preparing for a potential emergency, you’ll be better equipped to move fast and you’ll have a plan in place to protect yourself, your family and your pets,” says RDOS FireSmart Coordinator Kerry Riess. “A great place to start is by packing an emergency kit stocked with everything you will need for at least 72 hours.”

How to prepare for an emergency

• Visit getprepared.gc.ca for helpful tips, including a list of supplies to include in your emergency kit.
• Download the FireSmart Evacuation Checklist at firesmart.rdos.bc.ca to know which steps need to be taken in and around your house before leaving.
• Bookmark the RDOS EOC webpage at emergency.rdos.bc.ca.
• Sign up for the RDOS’ emergency alert system, Voyent Alert!, at emergency.rdos.bc.ca. In the case of an emergency, you’ll receive messages by email, text or phone.

Evacuation tips

• If ordered to evacuate your property, do so immediately.
• Monitor conditions, follow the advice of local authorities and watch emergency.rdos.bc.ca plus twitter.com/EmergMgtRDOS and the RDOS’ Facebook page.  
• Review your evacuation plan for your family and pets and grab your emergency kit.
• Before evacuating your property, turn off air conditioning, turn off your home water and electricity, and close doors and windows.
• Complete a quick scan around your home and property (see the FireSmart Evacuation Checklist at firesmart.rdos.bc.ca for important steps). 

For further information, please contact RDOS FireSmart Coordinator Kerry Riess or visit the RDOS Community FireSmart website: firesmart.rdos.bc.ca.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contacts:

Kerry Riess
RDOS FireSmart Coordinator
250-490-4392