With the various wildfires burning throughout the B.C. Interior, including several evacuation alerts and orders, it91裸聊视频檚 important to be prepared.
Kelowna Fire Department91裸聊视频檚 deputy chief of emergency management, Sandra Follack, said that residents often only have two minutes before they need to leave when an evacuation order comes down.
91裸聊视频淒o you think you can pack a bag with all your essentials in that time? If you91裸聊视频檙e not prepared, you might leave something important behind,91裸聊视频� she said.
READ MORE: July Mountain wildfire 1 kilometre away from Coq highway
In high-stress and panic situations such as an evacuation, evacuees often don91裸聊视频檛 have the time to think clearly about what they may need. That91裸聊视频檚 why she says it91裸聊视频檚 important to pack a grab-and-go bag early, well before the authorities knock on your door.
Follack also said that every grab-and-go kit will differ from person to person and from family to family, especially if you have children or pets.
The basics, however, are similar enough. Each bag should have:
- Enough food and water for at least 72 hours, including snacks and dry food items in case you have to stop on the side of the road,
- A first aid kit with current medication including prescriptions, pain killers and scissors
- A warm jacket or sweater in case you end up somewhere chilly,
- A change of clothes and shoes,
- A battery-powered transistor radio so you can know what the latest update is on fires in your area given that you may not always have Internet access,
- A phone charger and power bank,
- An extra set of car keys,
- Paper copies of insurance, prescriptions as well as phone numbers,
- Masks and gloves, hand sanitizer or wet wipes,
- Flashlight and cash.
91裸聊视频淲e91裸聊视频檙e thinking about (hand sanitizers) now because of COVID, but this is good for anything,91裸聊视频� she said.
91裸聊视频淵ou might not have water (where you end up) and you don91裸聊视频檛 want to use your drinking water to wash your hands. You need something to keep yourself clean before you91裸聊视频檙e eating.91裸聊视频�
READ MORE: Wildfire worries continue: Fire risk remains high to extreme over most of southern B.C.
In a world that relies heavily on technology and personal devices, Follack said it91裸聊视频檚 important to keep a paper copy of important documents and identification, especially if electricity isn91裸聊视频檛 readily available to charge phones and laptops.
Once you have the basics, then you can add in all the other things you and others in your family may need: glasses, toiletries, small toys and other items you, your children or pets may need.
She said it91裸聊视频檚 also important to let several people know your situation and where you plan to go: this way, there will be less confusion and one way or another, you91裸聊视频檒l be accounted for.
More information on making and building can be found on the province91裸聊视频檚 website.
READ MORE: Emergency services extended for those evacuated from Nk91裸聊视频橫ip fire
twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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