Wildfire Readiness: Ensuring Safety Through Planning
In recent years, the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Canada have significantly increased, posing a substantial threat to communities in the wildland urban interface. The rapid onset of these fires often leaves residents with little time to evacuate, making prior preparation crucial. This blog post delves into the essentials of wildfire preparedness, focusing on go bags, evacuation plans, and the reality of government resources being overwhelmed during fast-moving wildfire events.
Understanding the Risk
Wildfires can ignite and spread rapidly, driven by dry conditions, high winds, and abundant fuel. In 2023, wildfire spread rates in Alberta during high wind days were recorded at over 50 metres per minute, with the largest one day fire growth at 35km. The sudden nature of these disasters can also overwhelm local and provincial emergency services. This means time is short if a fire ignites close to you. As a result, an evacuation plan is essential.
Activate, Vacate
B&T’s structure protection kits are designed to function without human oversight. Simply connect the hose to a water source, such as a residential outdoor water faucet or water pump, and let the sprinkler do the work. However, the reality of fast-moving wildfires means an individual may be away from their residence for extended periods of time if they choose to evacuate. If a homeowner wants to avoid a large water bill, a potential solution is a digital water timer. Products such as the Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer offers affordable water timers that can be activated with phone apps. This means a homeowner can remotely turn off a B&T Sprinkler Protection System after evacuation, provided water or power is not interrupted.
The Importance of Go Bags
A go bag is an essential component of wildfire preparedness. It's a pre-packed bag filled with items needed to survive for at least 72 hours after evacuating from a disaster area. The contents of a go bag should include, but are not limited to:
Water and non-perishable food: At least 4 litres of water per person per day and food that doesn’t require cooking.
First aid kit: Including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplies for treating injuries.
Clothing and personal items: A change of clothes for each family member and personal hygiene items.
Important documents: Copies of identification, insurance policies, and other critical documents in a waterproof container.
Tools and supplies: Flashlights, extra batteries, a multi-tool, and matches or a lighter.
Communication devices: Cell phone and battery chargers, and potentially a fully charged power bank.
Customize your go bag to fit the needs of all family members, including pets. Remember, the goal is to evacuate quickly and safely, so keep your go bag in an easily accessible location.
Developing an Evacuation Plan
An effective evacuation plan is a roadmap for what you and your family should do when a wildfire threatens your area. Here are key components of a robust evacuation plan:
Know your exits: Identify at least two escape routes from your home and community. Practice these routes to ensure everyone knows how to evacuate quickly.
Establish a meeting point: Choose a safe location outside the fire hazard area to regroup if you get separated.
Stay informed: Use local alert systems, social media, and emergency services to stay updated on the wildfire's progress and evacuation orders.
Plan for pets: Ensure your pets are included in your evacuation plan. Have carriers, food, and water ready for them as well.
Communicate: Designate an out-of-town contact everyone can call to check in. This helps to keep track of everyone's whereabouts and safety.
Facing the Reality: Overwhelmed Government Resources
In the face of a fast-moving wildfire, it's a harsh reality that government resources can quickly become overwhelmed. Emergency services do their utmost to protect lives and property, but the scale and unpredictability of wildfires can limit their effectiveness. This situation underscores the importance of individual preparedness and community resilience.
When government resources are stretched thin, communities often come together to fill gaps. Local volunteer groups, community centers, and neighbors can provide crucial support. However, personal preparedness forms the foundation.
Leveraging Technology and Information
Advancements in technology have provided new tools to aid in wildfire preparedness and response. Smartphone apps can deliver real-time alerts and updates on wildfire activity, evacuation orders, and safe routes. Social media platforms offer a means to communicate with loved ones and emergency services. Moreover, websites from government agencies such as the Alberta or British Columbia Wildfire Dashboards contain a wealth of information on recent fire activities, fire perimeter and evacuation information.
Conclusion
Wildfire preparedness is not just about having a go bag or an evacuation plan; it's about fostering a mindset of readiness and resilience. Remember, the time to prepare is now, not when the fire is at your doorstep. Take action today to protect yourself, your family, and your community tomorrow.