Emergency Evacuation Information

The following information is provided to explain the stages of evacuation should your community be required to leave due to an impending event such as wildfire, flooding, hazardous spill, etc.

Evacuation Alert

An Evacuation Alert is a notification of danger in your area. Evacuation Alerts are issued to advise the population at risk of the potential for loss of life from a hazard, and they should be prepared to evacuate.

When your community has received an Evacuation Alert you should prepare to move to a safe area.

Things that should be done at this time are:

Gather essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers, immediate care needs for dependants and, if you choose, valuable keepsakes, photographs, etc. Make these items available for immediate access for a quick departure.
If you require transportation, the person providing the alert notification will also provide information on transportation arrangements for you.
Know the location of all family members and determine a planned meeting place should an evacuation be called while separated.
Prepare to evacuate disabled persons and children. Relocate large pets and livestock to a safe area immediately, if possible.
Arrange accommodation for your family, if possible. In the event of an evacuation, emergency lodging will be provided if necessary. This lodging will probably not permit pets so it is suggested that alternate arrangements be made for pets at the same time.
It is important that you follow the directives you are given by the authorities to ensure your safety as they have made plans for safe and effective movement of evacuees.

Everyone in the affected area should now be ready to move quickly from the area if required.

Evacuation Order

An Evacuation Order will only be issued by authorities having jurisdiction in response to imminent potential for loss of life or injury because of any potential danger to the population at risk or the residents in the affected area. These orders are issued in the interest of life safety. Members of the RCMP, local fire departments, search and rescue and the local authorities may be involved in carrying out this action through door to door contact, radio/television broadcasts, telephoning, etc.

Things that should be done at this time are:

Gather personal/family emergency kit.
Proceed quickly and calmly to the nearest evacuation site (temporary or permanent).
Report to the Reception Centre indicated and register with the personnel staffing the centre. This will allow for effective communication for the evacuation team and will allow contact by friends or relatives who may be very concerned about your whereabouts and safety.
Keep a flashlight and portable radio with you.
Follow the evacuation instructions which have been provided to you in the Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order.
Ensure that you haven't forgotten a necessity as travel will be one-way only out of your area to allow emergency vehicles access.
Take everything you will require for an extended stay, and remember, the police will enforce this evacuation order.

Rescind

When the emergency situation is under control and hazard/emergency zone is declared safe (habitable), a Rescind declaration will be issued and persons will be allowed back to their homes.

For further information please contact the Fraser Valley Regional District at

604-702-5000 or 1-800-528-0061

In case of a disaster, such as an eartquake, fire, flood, or storm display a HELP or OK sign in the front window of your house or vehicle to let the emergency responders know whether or not you need assistance.