Preparing to evacuate? Here’s what you need to know

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Due to the ever-changing wildfire situation in the Peace region, Energeticcity.ca compiled some information for residents who are evacuating or preparing to do so.

When an evacuation alert is issued, residents don’t need to leave the area immediately, but they should be ready to leave in a short time frame should an evacuation order be issued. This means having a bag packed with essential items like clothing, medications, valuable papers and ID, pet supplies, and any keepsakes they may have.

The City of Fort St. John recommends residents take the following steps when preparing after an evacuation alert:

• Locate all family members or co-workers and designate a reception centre outside the evacuation area should an evacuation be called while separated.
• Pack essential items for a quick departure, such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (such as insurance, passports, birth certificates, banking and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents, cell phone and charger and, if time and space permits, personal keepsakes.
• Prepare to move any disabled persons, children, or neighbours if assistance is required.
• Prepare to take pets, including pet care items (leash, carrier, food).
• Arrange to transport household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
• If transportation assistance from the area is needed, call 250-794-5174.
• Arrange accommodation for the family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception centres will be opened if required.
• Monitor news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of reception centres.

Residents should also ensure that their gas tank is full so they can make it to the closest evacuation reception centre.

To view a full evacuation alert checklist, click here.

As of Wednesday afternoon, evacuees who have not registered for emergency support services and live in an area under an evacuation order must go to the Fort St. John emergency support services reception centre located in the North Peace Arena at 9805 96 Avenue.

The PRRD said if local accommodations are not available, evacuees will be rerouted to the nearest community. Those who have already evacuated are being advised to stay where they are.

Those under an evacuation order should take the following precautions, according to the PRRD:

• If transportation assistance from the area is needed, call 1-800-670-7773
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather family and, if there is room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than needed.
• Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, cell and charger, and keys) only if they are immediately available.
• Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash.
• Do not use the telephone unless emergency services are needed.

The Fort St. John RCMP confirmed Tuesday that additional resources are being brought into the area to help with evacuation orders and alerts while maintaining normal operations.

The Salvation Army has acquired two buses to transport guests and tenants from the Northern Centre of Hope if an evacuation order for the city is issued.

The Salvation Army’s Food Bank will operate during its normal hours from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Women’s Resource Society remains open and will operate under its regular hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday but will be closed on Friday and Monday for the May long weekend. The society has printed extra copies of the emergency preparedness guide for clients.

The North Peace Regional Airport is open and fully operational as of Tuesday afternoon. While the airport is receiving flights, interim manager Stacy Smith says passengers should contact airlines directly for the latest flight information.

Pacific Northern Gas is advising those who are evacuating their properties and have time to isolate their gas supply at their meter by taking a wrench and turning the valve 90 degrees to the off position.

Attention residents of Fort St. John & Taylor: if you are evacuating your property due to the wildfires—& if you have time & it is safe to do so—please isolate your gas supply at the meter: take a wrench & turn the valve 90 degrees to the off position. #bcwildfire #FortStJohn pic.twitter.com/lLr6MV17rh

— Pacific Northern Gas Ltd. (@png_bc) May 16, 2023

Northern Health (NH) says all of its facilities remain open at this time, including hospital emergency departments in Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Dawson Creek. The health authority adds that proactive planning for impacts on health services could include cancelling surgeries that are not urgent, changing referral patterns for maternity patients, and potentially expanding Northern Health Connections medical travel supports depending on the impact of wildfires in the area.

“Northern Health will make every effort to keep patients and communities updated about changes to local services, and we appreciate your patience and support for the dedicated NH staff and physicians who continue to provide care and services during this challenging time,” the health authority said.

NH recommends that patients with non-urgent health care needs contact HealthlinkBC by dialling 811, reach out to the Northern Health virtual primary & community care clinic by calling 1-844-645-7811, or get in touch with their primary care provider to alleviate pressure on emergency department resources.

The BC SPCA said in a release on Tuesday that it is getting ready to help pet owners in the North Peace who are impacted by wildfires, with staff working quickly on Tuesday to evacuate 21 animals, who are now temporarily under the care of the South Peace SPCA.

Animals that were already at the Quesnel and Prince George SPCA branches have been moved to Kamloops to create space in the case of further evacuations.

Those who require assistance or have inquiries about emergency services for animals should call the BC SPCA’s Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.