With wildfires impacting some of our British Columbia members once again, it is important to be able to support employees with information and advice. That is particularly critical when our businesses or employees are facing evacuation. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our team for advice or support.

Looking for where to start?

Emergency Support for Evacuees

1. An important starting point is the B.C. Evacuee Registration & Assistance Tool online. This is the first step to referral vouchers for lodging, clothing, and fuel, so encourage your team members to register here as soon as possible.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.

Emergency Planning Support

If your business is potentially at risk from a wildfire or other natural disaster, contact us for advice and assistance with emergency response planning.

Not currently at risk?

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).

More Information

Get alerts about wildfires in your region

• BC Wildfires Map
• Fire information line: 1-888-336-7378

Access information, training, and resources

• Wildfire Safety
• Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality
• Respiratory Protection Resources

Learn about the air quality in your area

• Subscribe for email or text alerts
• Review the current and forecast air quality in your region