Heat and Wildfire Risk – Support and Resources for B.C. Businesses
While last week’s wildfire evacuation orders have been downgraded in Lytton and West Kelowna, B.C. communities and businesses remain at risk for fire, smoke, and heat stress.
Need resources or advice to help you prepare? Reach out to our safety advisors for support.
Access information, training, and resources
- Heat Stress and Related Illness
- Wildfire Safety
- Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality
- Respiratory Protection Resources
Heat-Related Hazards
Heat-related illnesses happen when a person heats up faster than they can cool down. Heat-related illness can affect everyone – even those accustomed to working in the heat. If heat stress progresses to heat stroke, it is a medical emergency that, untreated, can lead to death.
Get links to support resources on our Heat Stress topic page.
Emergency Planning Support for Wildfire
The BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation does not require employers to have a specific wildfire plan. Still, every employer should be prepared with an emergency response plan that addresses the particular risks of their region—including wildfires.
Your emergency plan for wildfires should include:
- An evacuation plan that you have tested with your employees
- Safety zones around your building
- Equipment on hand in case a wildfire occurs
- Training, education, and communication to ensure that workers know what to do in the event of a wildfire and emergency evacuation
Prepare in advance to help workers get to safety before a wildfire devastates your community. Employees must know and understand what to do if they need to evacuate your worksite quickly. Know the evacuation routes from your facility and create a procedure to account for ALL employees after an emergency evacuation.
Start planning now to protect your business and people for the future with Emergency Response Planning training and Emergency Response awareness training for employees (online in English, Spanish, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese).
In an Evacuation Order
- The B.C. Evacuee Registration & Assistance Tool provides referral vouchers for lodging, clothing, and fuel. Encourage your team members to register here as soon as possible.
- Evacuees are also encouraged to register with Red Cross for assistance. Anyone under a mandatory evacuation order by their local authority or Band Council Resolution because of wildfires anywhere in B.C. can register with Red Cross from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. by calling 1-800-863-6582.
- Evacuees impacted by wildfires may also be eligible for other financial assistance. Look here for details on Disaster Financial Assistance eligibility and applications in BC.
- For advice on emotional support for team members in this stressful time, tune into this webinar on Managing Anxiety in Uncertain Times with Alliance Mental Health and Wellness Director Dr. Steve Conway.
More Information
Get alerts about wildfires in your region
- BC Wildfires Map
- Fire information line: 1-888-336-7378
