B.C. wildfires 2018: frequently asked questions

With thousands in crisis and facing uncertainty, wildfires in B.C. have caused the province to declare a state of emergency.

This list of frequently asked questions containsresources on everything from evacuations, emergency accommodation, road closures,and next steps if you've been ordered to evacuate your home.

This has been be updated to reflect current information as of August 2018.

How do Ifind out if I'm underevacuation order or alert?

Alerts and orders are issued by local governments, whichalso distribute maps of the areas affected. A compilationcan all be found on theEmergency Info B.C.website.

• Evacuation alert vs. evacuation order

Regional districts also provide phone numbers you can call to ask whetheryou are affected by an alert or order. For the current wildfires of note, the contact information is as follows:

• Cariboo (Williams Lake, 100 Mile House)Emergency Information Line:1-866-759-4977
• Thompson-Nicola (Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Little Fort) Emergency Operations Centre:1-866-377-7188
• Okanagan-Similkameen (Princeton)Emergency Operations Centre:250-490-4225
• Bulkley-NechakoRegional District:250-692-3195

The Okanagan-Similkameen also has aninteractive mapthat works similar to Google Maps to show evacuation zones.

Where can I find outabout road closures?

DriveBCupdatesitswebsiteas frequently as possible, sometimes as often as every five minutes, listing road closures in the province. Updated information is also on its Twitter account: @DriveBC.

Those unable to access a computer can call for information toll free at 1-800-550-4997.

What do I do once evacuated?

All provincial government information for evacuees iscompiled here.

People who require immediate assistance, such as a place to sleep or grocery vouchers, should register in person at a designated emergency reception centre. You can find a list of reception centres here.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) programs areset up atthese locations forevacuees who don't haveaccess to other sources of support.

What should I pack if I am ordered to evacuate?

All information on what to do if you are ordered to evacuatecan be found on theProvince of B.C.website.

The province recommendspreparing an emergency kit with water, personal medications, cellphone charger and other essential supplies.

• Wildfire preparedness

How can I find out where all the fires are located?

The B.C. Wildfire Service has a list of active wildfires here. They can also be seen on thisinteractive map.

The map shows roughly where a fire is and its approximate size. Information is updated throughout the day, but evacuation orders and alerts are still issued through local governments.

A list of wildfires of note those that are highly visible or threatening structures can also be found at the wildfire service'swebsite.

Can evacuees have hydrofees waived?

Yes. BC Hydro isoffering relief for customers forced out of their homesby wildfire. The utility is proactively identifying people affected by evacuation orders and crediting them for electricity used while they are away.

Those who have lost their home will havetheir last BC Hydro bill waived.

What about my pets and livestock?

The B.C.SPCAhas compiled a Q&A for animal owners affected by wildfire in B.C. from where to take your animals and how you can help those left behind.

How do I get my mail?

An ongoing list of service disruptions can be found by visiting the Canada Post website.

Evacuees can sign up for a free temporary mail-forwarding service through Canada Post by visiting any one of their offices or online at canadapost.ca/mailforwarding.

Searches for critical items already in the mail,including medicine and passports, can be initiated by calling 1-800-267-1177.

Where can I donate money to help?

The Canadian Red Cross has launched an appeal for donations for those impacted by this year's wildfires.

Canadians who'd like to donate can visit redcross.ca, phone 1-800-418-1111 or contact their local Canadian Red Cross office.

The following organizations are also accepting donations:

• The Salvation Army
• United Way
• Food Banks BC

The B.C.SPCA is also accepting donations to support animals affected by wildfire.

If I am returning homeafter an evacuation, how do I deal with anydamage?

TheGuide to Wildfire Recovery from theRed Cross covers all essential steps to returning home and starting the cleaning-up process.

People returning home may findred-coloured fire retardantcovering some or all of their property. This substance prevents the spread of fire and is similar in composition to fertilizer. It can be scrubbed off with soap and water.

Fridges and freezers may be kept depending on the extent of damage. This guide outlines how to make insurance claims on spoiled foodand the safe disposal of anappliance.

How do I check the air quality?

Environment Canada issues air quality advisories as part of its public weather alerts.

Additionally, B.C.'s Ministry of Environment provides air quality health Index (AQHI) forecastsand live readings from air monitoring stations on an interactive map.

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