Wildfire preparedness social media package

The @PreparedBC Wildfire Preparedness Guide is a must-read for our community. Download it at preparedbc.ca/wildfires

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Many wildfires are human-caused and therefore preventable. Be part of the solution by following fire bans and restrictions: http://ow.ly/NV6k30qBReI Report all wildfires to *5555 (on mobile phone) or 1-800-663-5555 #BCwildfire 

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Making your home and property #FireSmart can help decrease the intensity and slow the spread of a #BCwildfire. Get started with the @BCFireSmart home assessment: http://ow.ly/VmB030qDrsy 

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Know your trees! Some, like pines, are more flammable than others and shouldn’t be planted close to your home. Get more #FireSmart tips at firesmartbc.ca/ 
#BCwildfire

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Have a preparedness conversation at home. Talk about how you’ll communicate with each other and where you’ll meet if you get separated. Get started: preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan #BCwildfire

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When choosing an emergency meeting place, consider a virtual one too! Create a closed Facebook group for everyone in your home to check in during an emergency. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan #BCwildfire

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If a wildfire threatens your home, you may need to leave quickly. Take time now to build grab-and-go bags for everyone you live with. Once you have the basics, consider additional needs and customize each bag. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/grab-and-go #BCwildfire

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As the weather warms up, so does #BCwildfire season. Get ready by making grab-and-go bags for each member of your household. Be sure to pack everything you’ll need if you need to evacuate. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires

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Don’t forget your pets when preparing for a potential wildfire. Add their name, breed, vaccination history and a photo to your emergency plan. Check out the Prepared BC pet guide for more: Preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan#pets

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#DYK? Home insurance policies in B.C. cover fire damage and losses. As part of your #BCwildfire prep, call your insurance representative to discuss your coverage or contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422 or visit ibc.ca/bc.

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Under #BCwildfire evacuation alert? Now is the time to unplug all non-essential electrical appliances. @techsafetyBC has more safety tips at http://ow.ly/NUZh30qHrqZ

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Here’s what @techsafetyBC wants you to know about gas and electrical equipment safety during a wildfire: http://ow.ly/uhBT30qFIKm  #BCwildfire 

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Check out the Emergency Wildfire Preparedness Checklist to see some of the key steps you can take to prepare for #BCwildfire: https://ow.ly/tQ9G50SNwLz �� 

Also be sure to visit @FireSmartBC

If you are facing a #BCwildfire, get the latest provincial updates from @EmergencyInfoBC & @BCGovFireInfo. For local information follow
TIP: Link to the places where you post the latest news and updates. Include your website and social media accounts if you have them. 

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Know the difference between an Evacuation Alert and Order if there’s risk of a #BCwildfire in your area. There are specific steps for each. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires

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An Evacuation Alert means you must be ready to leave on short notice. Ensure everyone you live with have a grab-and-go bag packed. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires #BCwildfire

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If you are under an Evacuation Alert, due to a #BCwildfire be ready to leave on short notice. Remember to park your vehicle forward-facing in case you must leave the area quickly. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires 

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Wildfire smoke is harmful to everyone - more so to vulnerable populations. Reduce exposure with these tips: http://ow.ly/vtLQ30smyrw #BCwildfire

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A #BCwildfire can be frightening, especially for children. Help reduce stress with these mental health tips and supports:  preparedbc.ca/wildfires 

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For your own safety, do not stay behind if an #Evacuation Order is issued.

Evacuation routes can change or become impassable due to wildfire behaviour. Changing visibility and weather conditions can also cause confusion and pose risks. preparedbc.ca/wildfires #BCwildfire

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Most people in B.C. have never experienced an active wildfire or Evacuation Order. It can be disorienting.

Make it less stressful by creating an emergency plan, making grab-and-go bags, and talking with your family, friends, and neighbours. 

Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires #BCwildfire

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If you receive an #Evacuation Order due to an #BCwildfire, keep yourself and your neighbours safe by following it.

Choosing to remain in an area under Evacuation Order puts yourself, your family, and first responders in danger. It’s not worth the risk. http://ow.ly/mz6x30rNEub 

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Stay up to date on the current wildfire situation with the BC Wildfire Service App.

Download from here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status

You must wait until an Evacuation Order has been rescinded before you can return home after a #BCwildfire. Stay tuned in case of further Evacuation Alerts or Orders. Preparedbc.ca/wildfires

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Returning home after a wildfire can be difficult. The @PreparedBC Wildfire Preparedness Guide can help you manage and keep track of important tasks ahead. Learn more: Preparedbc.ca/wildfires #BCWildfire

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If your home has been damaged by #BCwildfire, take pictures of the damage and inventory damaged items. Contact your insurance provider for details on the claims process. Details: http://ow.ly/UTDx30qDt8z

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Learn how to safely return home after a #BCwildfire by reading 'Recovering After a Wildfire’ from @PreparedBC: http://ow.ly/KGpH30qC6GT 

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Returning home after #BCwildfire? Read these gas and electrical safety tips from @techsafetyBC before entering your home: https://ow.ly/oMOH50SKB5I

The Prepared BC Wildfire Preparedness Guide is a must-read. Download it at preparedbc.ca/wildfires and start getting prepared today. 

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Many wildfires are human-caused and therefore preventable. 
Be part of the solution by following all fire bans and restrictions: http://ow.ly/PSKe30smytQ

Preventing wildfires is everyone’s responsibility. Report wildfires to *5555 or 1-800-663-5555.

You can also download and use the BC Wildfire Service app to report wildfires and irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire.

App for Android users: https://ow.ly/5wTz50OOnka
App for Apple users: https://ow.ly/C2Hh50OOnkb

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Making your home and property FireSmart can help decrease the intensity and slow the spread of a wildfire. Taking basic steps today can significantly reduce the risk to your home and property.

Get started with the FireSmartBC home assessment: http://ow.ly/mStp30qHrGm

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Know your trees! Some, like pines, are more flammable and shouldn’t be planted close to your home.  

If you do plant pines on your property, consider interspersing them with deciduous trees, such as birch and aspen which are less flammable.

Learn more from FireSmartBC about how landscaping choices can help make your property FireSmart: http://ow.ly/sEO530qHrFl

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Preparing for a potential wildfire? Start by having a conversation at home. Talk about how you’ll communicate with each other and where you’ll meet if you can't return home during an emergency. 

Get started at: preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan 

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When choosing an emergency meeting place consider a virtual one too! Create a closed Facebook group for everyone you live with to check in during an emergency. 

Don’t forget to add your emergency contacts to your phone, and make sure everyone includes an out-of-province contact. Learn more at preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan

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If a wildfire threatens your home, you may need to leave quickly. Take time now to build grab-and-go bags for everyone you live with. This list will get you started:

✔️    Food and water

✔️    Phone charger and battery bank

✔️    Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio

✔️    Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight 

✔️    Small first-aid kit and personal medications

✔️    Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses

✔️    Copy of your emergency plan, copies of important documents, such as insurance papers

✔️    Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket

Get the full recommended list at preparedbc.ca/grab-and-go. Once you’ve got the basics, customize each person’s bag to meet their needs, such as medications and comfort items. 

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As wildfire season in B.C. gets closer, get prepared by making grab-and-go bags for everyone you live with. Be sure to pack everything you'll need if you have to evacuate and be sure to store them in an accessible location so they can be grabbed quickly.

Learn more about preparing for wildfires at preparedbc.ca/wildfires

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Don’t forget your pets when preparing for a potential wildfire. Add their name, breed, vaccination history and photo to your emergency plan. Make sure your furry family members have a grab-and-go bag too! If you have to evacuate, they’ll need:

✔️    Food, water and treats 

✔️    Leash, harness and carrier

✔️    Medications 

✔️    Comfort items, like a special toy 

Read the Prepared BC pet guide to learn more: Preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan#pets

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Do you know what your home insurance covers in case of wildfire? As part of your wildfire preparedness, call your insurance representative to discuss your coverage.

Want to learn more about fire insurance in Canada? Contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422 or visit ibc.ca/bc.

Learn more about preparing for wildfires at preparedbc.ca/wildfires 

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Check out the Emergency Wildfire Preparedness Checklist to see some of the key steps you can take to prepare during the wildfire season: https://ow.ly/tQ9G50SNwLz

Also be sure to check out FireSmartBC.ca for more wildfire prevention and mitigation tips.

Trusted sources of information are vital to staying safe during a wildfire. Get the latest local and regional updates here:
TIP: Link to the places where you post the latest news and updates. Include your website and social media accounts if you have them. 

 Also follow:

✔️    @EmergencyInfoBC on X for provincial public safety information

✔️    @BCWildfireService for regular wildfire activity updates

Know the difference between an Evacuation Alert and Order if there’s risk of a #BCwildfire in your area. 

Evacuation Alert: Be prepared to leave on short notice. Get your grab-and-go bags ready.
Evacuation Order: You are at risk. Leave the area immediately.

Learn more at: preparedbc.ca/wildfires 

An Evacuation Alert means you must be ready to leave on short notice. Ensure everyone you live with has a grab-and-go bag packed. Things to include:

✔️    Food and water

✔️    Toiletry items and personal medications

✔️    Phone charger and battery bank

✔️    A copy of your emergency plan and contacts, and important documents, such as insurance papers

✔️    Seasonal clothing 

Get the complete list at: preparedbc.ca/wildfires 

If you are under an Evacuation Alert:

1.    Have grab-and-go bags packed for everyone you live with, including pets
2.    Park your vehicle forward-facing so you can drive away quickly
3.    Move all fuel sources at least 10 metres from your home. This includes things like firewood, furniture and propane tanks

Learn more at: preparedbc.ca/wildfires  

Wildfire smoke is harmful to everyone, even more so to vulnerable populations. Here are a few tips to keep yourself safe, cool, and healthy during smoky conditions:

✔️ Stay indoors and keep the air clean (windows/doors closed, no smoking, no burning fireplaces/candles/incense, no vacuuming)

✔️ When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with air conditioning set to recirculate

✔️ Reduce time spent outdoors and avoid vigorous outdoor activities

✔️ Visit places with a controlled air supply, such as shopping malls, swimming pools, or public libraries

✔️ Consult the air quality health index (AQHI) and learn how to use the AQHI to check air quality conditions in your community: https://ow.ly/VAkX50PBGB3

For more detailed recommendations check out ‘Wildfire Smoke and Your Health’ at preparedbc.ca/wildfires

Wildfire season can be stressful, especially for people who have been impacted before. Take good care of your mental and physical health by following a few guidelines. 

✔️ Limit your exposure to wildfire media coverage; viewing traumatic images can be overwhelming and make it harder to think clearly

✔️ Maintain a daily routine as much as possible

✔️ Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods and stay hydrated

✔️ Be kind and patient with yourself and others

✔️ Seek support when you need it. If you’re feeling sad, mad or confused—or even feeling nothing at all—reach out to others for help

Call KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line at 1 800 588-8717 or BC’s Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 (no area code needed).

Learn more: http://ow.ly/F1F930smytW

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If you receive an Evacuation Order, keep yourself and your neighbours safe by following it.

Choosing to remain in an area under Evacuation Order puts yourself, your family, and first responders in danger. It’s not worth the risk.

Learn more: http://ow.ly/mz6x30rNEub

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Most people in B.C. have never experienced an active wildfire or Evacuation Order. These situations can be disorienting and confusing.

Make it less stressful by creating a home emergency plan, making grab-and-go bags, and talking to your family, friends, and neighbours.

Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires

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For your own safety, do not stay behind if an Evacuation Order is issued.

Evacuation routes can change or become impassable due to a wildfire’s behaviour. Changing visibility and weather conditions can also create confusion and pose additional risks.

Learn more: http://ow.ly/mz6x30rNEub

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Stay up to date on the current wildfire situation with the BC Wildfire Service app. Download the app so you can:

• see a map of active wildfires
• view Evacuation Orders and Alerts
• report a wildfire
• find campfire bans

More information: https://ow.ly/3EhT50PLQIx

Once officials determine a wildfire threat has passed, Evacuation Orders may be rescinded. Do not attempt to return home until the Evacuation Order for your area is lifted. Continue to stay tuned for other possible Evacuation Alerts or Orders.

Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires

Returning home after a wildfire is difficult, and there are many important things to do. Safety should be your top priority.

The Prepared BC Wildfire Preparedness Guide can help you prepare for and keep track of the important tasks ahead. http://ow.ly/KGpH30qC6GT 

If your home has been damaged by wildfire, it’s important to document as much of the damage as possible before beginning to clean. Wherever possible, try to:

✔️    Assemble proofs-of-purchase, receipts and warranties for damaged items

✔️    Keep all of your receipts for clean-up, expenses during evacuation, and other items

✔️    Take photos and keep damaged items if they're not a safety risk

Learn more: http://ow.ly/UTDx30qDt8z

It can be hard to know where to start after a wildfire. Before you return home, read Prepared BC's Wildfire Preparedness Guide. It will help prepare you for:

✔️    Safely re-enter your home

✔️    Clean and repair your home

✔️    Claim insurance

✔️    Take care of yourself both mentally and physically

Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires

When returning home after a wildfire, if you smell rotten eggs, leave the area immediately and call your gas utility, propane supplier or 911. For more gas and electrical safety tips, visit the Technical Safety BC website at http://ow.ly/GpsP30qHu4X