Columbia Valley Pioneer Staff
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has issued an Evacuation Alert for four areas due to the Horsethief Creek wildfire.
Because of the potential danger to life and health, the following areas are under alert: Panorama, Westside Road area from Invermere to Radium, Mt. Forster, and Lillian Lake Recreation Site.
The alert means that residents in these areas must prepare to leave their property if necessary. Residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to evacuation; however, you may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.
What you should do: Register for the Evacuation Notification System at www.rdek.bc.ca – this will ensure that officials can reach you rapidly if the evacuation status changes.
Pre-register all household members on the provincial Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) Tool at http://ess.gov.bc.ca. Persons who have a BC Services Card may be eligible to receive an e-transfer using the BC Services Card App.
Have a ‘to-go bag’ packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice, with essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, money, clothing, personal care items, important documents (e.g. insurance, banking and mortgage info), valuables and keepsakes. Designate a meeting location outside of the evacuation alert area where all family members can meet should anyone become separated.
Prepare to assist young children and persons with mobility issues, if assistance is required. Relocate any livestock to a safe area and prepare to take your pets with you. Include food, water, carriers, medication and anything necessary for the animal’s safe well-being.
If commercial producers require additional assistance relocating livestock, contact the RDEK information line at 250-426-2188 or toll free at 1-855-346-2188.
Arrange transportation for all your household members and ensure there is enough fuel in vehicles to reach your destination. If assistance is needed, call 250-489-9677.
Arrange accommodation for all members of your household, if possible, including staying with friends or relatives, or finding alternate accommodations. Should an Evacuation Order needs to be issued, provincial Emergency Support Services are only available for those displaced from their primary residence.
Monitor credible news sources and official webpages for information on evacuation orders and the location of reception centres.
Further information will be issued should the situation change; updates will be provided on the RDEK website (www.rdek.bc.ca) and Facebook page. For more information call the RDEK Information line at 250-426-2188 or toll free at 1-855-346-2188.
