When you
live in a region that regularly experiences natural disasters, you must plan
ahead. And those in Alberta—which sees approximately 1,500 wildfires each year[1]—must prepare for the possibility that their
homes and livelihoods may be threatened.
Alberta
wildfires are unpredictable and can destroy homes, businesses, infrastructure
and natural resources. When all is said and done, the 2016 spring Alberta fires may prove to be the
costliest disaster in Canadian history. The nearly 90,000 evacuated residents
may be without homes, jobs and other resources to rebuild.
If
you’re at risk, it is important to know how to prepare your family to evacuate
quickly. Remember these best practices
to create an evacuation plan to ensure your safety in the
event of an Alberta wildfire:
- Call 911. If you see a wildfire and
haven’t received evacuation orders yet, call 911. Don’t assume someone else has
already notified the authorities.
- Stay connected. Be aware of text or email
alerting systems for emergency notifications. Always keep yourself up-to-date
with the most current developments.
- Know where to go. Identify possible routes for
evacuation and friends or family living elsewhere who can help you. Make sure
you include options so you have an alternative if one is not available.
- Catalog your assets. Review your homeowner’s
insurance policy and plan ahead by keeping an updated list or video of your
personal property.
- Prepare your home.
Follow best practices for electricity and other utility shut off
processes, refrigeration, securing your property.
- Pack your valuables. If time and circumstances allow,
pack important items to take with you. These might include essential
documents including personal identification and insurance papers; cash,
medications, toiletries, protective clothing and footwear, a 72-hour supply of
water and food.
The vast
majority of people living in areas prone to wildfires know they face risk,
but they tend to underestimate the risk. There are a variety of hazards associated with wildfires. To learn more about how to
prepare for a natural disaster learn more at HUB’s Crisis Management Center.
Contact a HUB Risk Manager today to learn about
best practices for preparing and responding to Alberta wildfires.
[1] http://wildfire.alberta.ca/wildfire-maps/historical-wildfire-information/documents/Wildfires10YearAverage-Apr14-2015.pdf