Everyone has seen or heard reports of people having to leave their homes with very little notice as a result of the wildfires in the interior of BC over the past few summers.  Flooding has also forced residents to evacuate in other parts of the province on many occasions.  Local governments issue evacuation alerts and orders when disasters threaten.  The amount of time residents have to evacuate depends on the event.  It could be as little as a few minutes or as much as a couple of hours.  If you were told you had to leave your home in an hour, what would you bring?
Your family's personal documents (or copies) such as birth certificates, driver's licences, care card, personal identification and insurance policies are important.  Medical supplies including medications, eyeglasses and mobility aids are also critical.  Supplies for you pets should be considered.  A change of clothing and bedding for each person may be necessary.  Preparing some of these items now will relieve some of the stress you might experience when ordered to evacuate.
Where would you go?  In the event of an evacuation order, affected residents will be told where the reception centre will be set up if they don't have a location identified as part of their personal emergency plan.  Potential sites in Port Alberni include Echo Centre, Glenwood Centre and other venues in the area.  Where people are directed to go will depend on the type and location of the disaster.  Planning a location now that your family can evacuate to will  help if the time comes.  Everyone will be more comfortable staying at the home of a family member or friend than at a crowded group lodging centre.  If you have pets, you should be aware that it is not always possible for them to be accommodated at a reception centre so making your own plan becomes even more important so these important members of your family can remain with you.
If you are issued an Evacuation Order, use specified travel routes. Do not use shortcuts – they may be impassible. Be alert for unsafe roads and bridges. Do not drive into flooded areas. Stay away from downed power lines. Stay out of fire hazard areas until you are advised it is safe to return. Follow return instructions issued by the local authority.
If the disaster is not imminent and you have been placed on “alert”, do the following:

• Bring things indoors (lawn furniture, trash cans, children's toys, garden equipment, etc.)
• Look for potential hazards around your home
• Turn off electricity and water
• Leave natural gas on unless otherwise advised by local officials
• Turn off propane gas
• If high winds are expected, cover the outside of all windows of your home
• If flooding is expected, consider obtaining sandbags to keep your residence safe and dry.
• It takes two people about one hour to fill and place 100 sandbags giving you a wall one foot high and 20 feet long Move objects that may get damaged to safer areas of your home
• Make a visual or written record of all of your household possessions. Record model and serial numbers
• Move objects that may get damaged to safer areas of your home
• Make a visual or written record of all of your household possessions. Record model and serial numbers

Thinking about what you would do in an evacuation ahead of time will help you and your family get through it together.  You can practice your evacuation plan just as you would you family fire drill so everyone is familiar with what to expect.  This will help all members of your family remain calmer during the emergency. 
For more information on evacuation plans, routes and local procedures give me a call.