By: Hasan A. Rabbani, Gr 8
Every summer, forests across the world light up in flames, and thousands die in their aftermath. Commercial and residential buildings burn alike; hundreds of thousands are forced to leave their homes without warning. A measly change in wind direction can alter the lives of millions. There have been over 1700 wildfires in British Columbia since April of 2024, and we
never know when we might be affected by a wildfire, so we need to be prepared. We need strict plans, lists, and kits in case of an emergency to know what to do when facing one.
It’s never too early to prepare for a wildfire; they’re instantaneous, and there’s no telling how early one might come. Everyone should be equipped with a first aid kit, suitable for treating burns, cuts, other minor injuries and containing basic medicines like Tylenol and Advil to fight spontaneous flus and colds. BC Hydro, the official BC Government website and Canadian Red Cross each have lists of what an emergency kit should include. It’s vital to have a list that you update periodically, compiling things you’d take along in case of evacuation. You’re bound to forget something while under the immense pressure and stress bundled along with an evacuation.
Nevertheless, lists help you get organized and relieve some pressure.
Additionally, you should have an exact plan of where you’d evacuate to, how, where you’d rest, and how long it’d take. It’s imperative that you know where you’re going to evacuate to, the States, Vancouver Island, further north or maybe flying out to a completely different place. You need to evaluate which of these options is the best for you and your family’s needs, and know how you’d get to wherever you’re going. It’ll help ease the tension, and you’ll be out the door quicker with a steady path to safety.
As long as you’ve done the appropriate planning and have organized yourself, you shouldn’t have much to worry about. There is still more you can learn, for instance, what to do when a wildfire is near you. The best course of action is to be wary of evacuation, keeping a close eye on how far the fire seems to be and gathering everything you’d evacuate with. Taking a quick trip to the store for some water and non-perishables is a good idea, but only if you need them. Otherwise, stay indoors with your windows closed; you don’t want smoke getting into your airways and damaging your lungs. Staying alert means listening to radio stations and watching for the distance to the fire. Keep an eye out to see if the fire is getting closer or farther, look out for the wind speed and direction, monitor the smoke and fire’s heat.
Then, keep watch for government messages and what news/radio stations are saying.
Listen out for efforts to suppress the fire and evacuation alerts/orders, and know the relevant vocabulary. Don’t be arrogant and look up every word you don’t understand; it could be important. For example, both evacuation orders and alerts may sound similar, but they are important as they are distinct. Evacuation orders are an immediate sign to leave, meaning you should be on the road and evacuate to a safe area. If the fire is within 20 kilometres of your location, the government will typically issue an evacuation alert. It means being on standby to evacuate, but you don’t immediately have to.
Think of it like a yellow card in soccer, a warning but no immediate call to action. They are both to be taken seriously and can be the difference between being calm and relaxed or being stuck in a fire.
Maintaining communication with others is just as important as getting a first aid kit and watching out for government alerts. Talk to somebody you trust, and tell them your every move and your current situation.
Your contact should know about your exact plan, the routes you plan to take, when you’re leaving, and where you are. Whether this contact is family or an old friend, it should be somebody who lives outside the affected area, but still somebody who is responsible and trustworthy. You should tell them if an evacuation alert has been issued or not, if the fire has changed direction, if its slowed down, etc. If something happens to you while evacuating, like a car crash or you get lost, this person should be able to reach out to authorities on your behalf and help pinpoint your location. It’s not only for you, though; it’s also for your loved ones to know you’re safe and the situation you’re in.
The fact of the matter is that we have no control over a wildfire, and no amount of preparation can relieve the stress of a life-or-death situation, but it can give you a clear path to follow on your treacherous journey. A simple emergency kit can save you from major harm and even death, a plan gives a sense of security, and staying alert and informed could be the difference between evacuating and getting trapped amidst the fire. Communication ensures that first responders can always find you, and your loved ones know you’re safe. Each aspect of your preparation tangles together to support you and keep you safe during a wildfire.
