PHOTO CREDIT: TASHA CHORNEYKO

Emergency Preparedness

Information and resources for emergency preparedness.

What does it mean?

 

Evacuation Alert: Be ready to leave on short notice

An Evacuation Alert means that you need to be ready to evacuate on short notice.  We have been on an Evacuation Alert for two weeks in the past.

The issuing of an Evacuation Alert is NOT an order to evacuate, but a warning to be ready to evacuate on very short notice.

 

Evacuation Order: You are at risk. 

Leave the area immediately. Consider how difficult it would be to evacuate everyone from Elkford within 20 minutes. Achieving that would likely depend on first responders and others being able to reach every door in town in a very short period of time.

 

Tactical evacuation: This happens when a sudden threat to life requires immediate action and there is no time to prepare or issue written warnings. These types of evacuations are often coordinated by the RCMP or local police, with assistance from other agencies.

 

Evacuation Rescinded: The risk to life and safety has now passed.
 

Further details: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/emergency-alerts

 

sign up for the VOYENT Alert! phone app NOW.

 https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/register.html  

“During a life-threatening emergency, an emergency alert will be sent to impacted areas in B.C. Some alerts may be sent to small warning areas, while others may affect more than one region or be issued province-wide.”

 

More information? https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/protectiveservices/emergencyinfo/ 
 

 

Create a Household Emergency Plan

Every household should have a plan that includes:
  • Emergency contacts
  • Meeting locations
  • Evacuation routes
  • Pet care arrangements
  • Support plans for vulnerable family members
PreparedBC Home Emergency Plan https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/make-your-plan 
Being prepared today helps you respond quickly and confidently during an emergency. Stay informed, stay ready, and be prepared to act if conditions change.

 

What is An Evacuation Alert?

A message from the Mayor

"Fellow residents – I have compiled this information for you, so that you can plan now for what is not an “if”, it is a “when”.  Maybe next week, maybe next year, but we’ve been on an evacuation alert in the past (for 2 weeks) and we are one lightening strike away from being there again. Our risk will increase until October.  It may happen because of events that seem far away but events that could leave Elkford isolated – highway 43 could be closed by smoke  or fire.  Please take this information seriously. "
-Mayor Steve

Stay Informed

✅ Read the entire alert carefully

  • Pay attention to the specific area identified in the alert.

  • Confirm whether your property is included.

✅ Use ONLY verified and trusted information sources

✅ Check dates and times

  • Emergency information changes quickly.

  • Always look for the most recent update before acting on information shared online.

✅ Follow official updates

✅ Need information?

  • RDEK Information Line: 1-855-346-2188

Register for Emergency Notifications

Sign up for the RDEK Evacuation Notification System at: https://www.rdek.bc.ca/departments/protectiveservices/emergencyinfo/evacuation_notification_system/ 
 
Registering ensures you can be contacted quickly if an evacuation alert changes to an evacuation order.

Get Ready to Leave

Be prepared to leave with little notice.

 

Gather Important Items

Have these items ready:

  • Government-issued identification

  • Insurance information

  • Important documents

  • Medications and prescriptions

  • Cell phone and charger

  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses

  • Toiletries

  • Several days of clothing

  • Emergency contacts

  • Keys

  • Valuables, photos, and irreplaceable keepsakes

Make a Family Plan

Discuss:

  • How family members will contact each other

  • A meeting place outside the evacuation area

  • Transportation arrangements

  • Plans for family members who may be away from home

Support Friends and Family Members with Mobility Challenges

If you or a family member may need assistance evacuating:

  • Make arrangements in advance of an evacuation to allow extra time.

  • Contact emergency officials if assistance is required.

Arrange Accommodation

Consider where you could stay if evacuation becomes necessary:

  • Family or friends

  • Hotels or campgrounds outside the evacuation area

Keep Your Vehicle Ready

  • Keep fuel tanks as full as possible.

  • Ensure vehicles are operational and ready to travel.

Plan for Pets

Prepare:

  • Food and water

  • Medications

  • Leashes, carriers and supplies

  • Vaccination records

Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT): 250-809-7152

Prepare Your Property

Taking simple steps now can help improve safety around your home.

 

Around Your Home

  • Move patio furniture, cushions and doormats indoors or at least 30 metres from structures.

  • Remove flammable curtains and window coverings if evacuation becomes likely.

  • Ensure your house number is clearly visible from the road.

  • Disconnect automatic garage door openers in case of power outages.

Water Supply

 
If safe to do so:

  • Connect garden hoses.

  • Fill pools, hot tubs and large containers with water.

 
These actions may assist firefighters and help slow the spread of fire.

Move Recreational Vehicles Early

If an Evacuation Alert is issued, consider moving:

  • RVs

  • Boats

  • Utility trailers

  • Campers

Do not wait for an evacuation order to leave with a recreational vehicle.

 

Removing large vehicles early helps reduce traffic congestion and improves safety during an evacuation.

Register for Financial Assistance

Pre-register all household members through the Province of British Columbia's:

 

Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) Tool https://ess.gov.bc.ca 

 

Pre-registration may help speed up financial assistance if evacuation becomes necessary.

Emergency Kit Checklist

Build an emergency kit that will support your household for several days.
 

Think "Camping at Home"

 

Ask yourself:

"If I had to stay at home without power, water, internet, or access to stores for several days, what would I need?"

Build your emergency kit accordingly.

 

Store supplies in plastic bins, duffel bags, or containers that are easy to access.
Include:

  • Non-perishable food (minimum 3 to 7 days)

  • Manual can opener

  • Water (4 litres per person, per day)

  • Phone charger and power bank

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight

  • Extra batteries

  • First aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Toiletries

  • Extra glasses or contact lenses

  • Emergency plan

  • Copies of identification and insurance documents

  • Cash in small bills

  • Garbage bags and sanitation supplies

  • Seasonal clothing

  • Sturdy footwear

  • Emergency blanket

  • Dust masks

  • Whistle

  • Help/OK Sign

 

Make a Grab-and-Go Bag

A grab-and-go bag is a smaller emergency kit that can leave with you immediately.

 

Prepare one for:

  • Your home

  • Your workplace

  • Your vehicle

 

Include:

  • Ready-to-eat food

  • Water

  • Phone charger and battery bank

  • Small radio

  • Flashlight

  • Extra batteries

  • First aid kit

  • Medications

  • Toiletries

  • Emergency plan

  • Identification and insurance documents

  • Cash

  • Local map with your meeting place marked

  • Seasonal clothing

  • Emergency blanket

  • Pen and notepad

  • Whistle

Tip: Keep bottled water in its original container and store it in a cool, dark location.

 

What is An Evacuation Order?

A message from the Mayor

"Fellow Elkfordians;
This situation weighs heavily on my mind. It has framed my summers for many years now, and I have made a number of personal action plans to be triggered in the eventuality of an evacuation order being issued for Elkford.
We’ve been surprisingly close to one in the past, and as this season progresses, I feel that we are inching closer to this situation on an hourly basis.
We have seen and experienced wildfire very close to town on more than one occasion, and none of us should play down the risk we face each summer.
You need to take responsibility for the safety of your family and your home.  Make your house as FireSmart as you can. Keep combustibles many metres from your home. Keep your gutters clean of combustibles. Remove sunshades, door mats, stored firewood, propane tanks, shrubbery, and more from the perimeter of your house.
According to my sources, 100% of the structures that burned in Jasper were ignited by ember storms. Embers can travel up to 2 kilometres from their source. There is no structure in Elkford that is more than 2 kilometres from the wildland perimeter that surrounds us.
Now is the time to take preventative action – not when we go on an evacuation notice, and definitely not is an order to evacuate is issued.
There are links ini my previous posts, and going the RDEK.bc.ca website is an excellent starting place in your preparations.
FB is not your best source of information in an emergency. Check your sources, check the time of any post you see in your feed – information will change quickly, AND there are people who will unintentionally feed you incorrect information, and there are others who will use AI to purposely mislead you.  Following erroneous or incorrect information could be very costly. Please use accredited sources in times of emergency."
-Mayor Steve

What to Do When an Evacuation Order Is Issued

An Evacuation Order means there is an immediate risk to life and safety. If you are under an Evacuation Order, you must leave the area immediately.

 

Leave Immediately

✅ Leave the area as soon as possible.

✅ Follow all directions from emergency officials.

✅ Use only the evacuation routes identified by emergency personnel.

✅ Do not return home until the Evacuation Order has been officially rescinded.

 

⚠️ Choosing to remain in an evacuation area puts you, your family, first responders, and others at risk.

 

Stay Informed

For official updates and information:

You may also be asked to create a profile or register to access Emergency Support Services (ESS).

Where to Go During an Evacuation

Only travel to designated reception centres or support locations identified by emergency officials.

 

Support services may not be available if you travel to a location that has not been designated for evacuees.

Use Your Own Resources First

If possible, use personal resources such as:

  • Insurance coverage

  • Hotels or accommodations arranged independently

  • Family or friends outside the evacuation area

If you require assistance, Emergency Support Services (ESS) may be able to help.
 
To receive support, you must register through an authorized ESS reception centre.

Reception Centres

A reception centre is a safe location opened by a local government or the RDEK during an emergency.
 
Reception centres are often located in:
  • Community centres
  • Schools
  • Recreation facilities
  • Other public buildings
These centres may be staffed by trained Emergency Support Services (ESS) volunteers.

Services Available at Reception Centres

Reception centres can help evacuees:

✅ Receive emergency information and updates

✅ Register for Emergency Support Services (ESS)

✅ Access food, clothing, and temporary shelter resources

✅ Connect with family members and loved ones

✅ Receive information about recovery and next steps

What to Expect When You Arrive

Reception centres can become busy during large evacuation events.

 

Be Prepared For:

  • Waiting in line during peak periods

  • Outdoor lineups or check-in areas

  • Staff asking questions to assess your needs

  • Registration and intake procedures

ESS Volunteers Will:

  • Assess your situation and immediate needs

  • Provide information and referrals

  • Connect you with available services and supports

 
Remember that emergencies are stressful. Be patient with yourself, your family, other evacuees, and responders.

Natural Gas Safety

Do Not Shut Off Your Natural Gas Service

If you receive an Evacuation Order:

✅ Leave your natural gas service on unless specifically directed otherwise by emergency officials or your utility provider.

Your gas provider may shut off service as a precaution during an emergency.

 

Important

⚠️ If your natural gas has been shut off at the meter, do not attempt to turn it back on yourself.
Only a licensed gas contractor or authorized utility representative can safely restore natural gas service.

 

REMEMBER an Evacuation Alert means:

Be Ready to Leave on Short Notice

✅ Move patio furniture, cushions, and doormats indoors
✅ Remove flammable curtains and window coverings where practical
✅ Connect garden hoses and make them easily accessible
✅ Fill pools, hot tubs, garbage cans, and other large containers with water
✅ Ensure your house number is clearly visible from the street
✅ Disconnect automatic garage door openers in case of a power outage
✅ Gather your grab-and-go bag, important documents, medications, and pet supplies

Why it matters: These steps can help firefighters protect your property and ensure you are ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.

 

REMEMBER an Evacuation Order means:

Leave Immediately

✅ Close all windows and doors before leaving
✅ Turn on interior and exterior lights to help firefighters locate your home in smoky conditions
✅ Take your grab-and-go bag and essential items
✅ Follow designated evacuation routes and all directions from emergency officials
✅ Travel to the designated reception centre or support location if assistance is required
✅ Stay informed through official emergency information sources

❌ Do not delay your departure to complete additional preparations
❌ Do not return home until the Evacuation Order has been officially rescinded

An Evacuation Order means there is an immediate threat to life and safety. Leave the area immediately.

 

In the event of a community-wide emergency or evacuation, the District of Elkford follows an established procedure. In the event of an emergency, information will be communicated through various channels:

  • Emergency crews going door-to-door
  • Posters and signage on District facilities
  • Updates over local radio and/or emergency broadcast systems
  • Alerts on the District of Elkford website
  • Updates through the District of Elkford’s social media channels
  • Community Information Meetings

Are you prepared for an emergency? Be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours. You should have a working fire extinguisher, a flashlight and/or candles, a 72-hour supply of non-perishable food (and bottled water), as well as a fully stocked emergency kit in your home. Ensure that you have adequate supplies to care for all children and pets. Additionally, you should know the muster points in the community and understand the basic principles of first aid and safety.

Every disaster is a local disaster. Different levels of organizations respond progressively as an emergency escalates and their resources are needed. 

Here are some excellent resources to help you and your family prepare for an emergency: