B.C. wildfires: frequently asked questions 2017

With thousands in crisis and facing uncertainty, wildfires in B.C. have caused the province to declare a state of emergency.

This list of frequently asked questions containsresources on everything from evacuations, current road closures, finding a place to stay and next steps, if you've been ordered to evacuate.

It will be updated to reflect current information. You can also follow #BCWildfirefor the latest information.

How do Ifind out if I'm underevacuation order or alert?

Alerts and orders are issued by local governments, whichalso distribute maps of the areas affected. Thesecan all be found on the Emergency Info B.C.website.

Regional districts also provide phone numbers you can call to ask if you are affected. For the current wildfires of note, the contact information is as follows:

• Cariboo (Williams Lake, 100 Mile House):1-866-759-4977
• Thompson-Nicola (Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Little Fort):1-866-377-7188
• Okanagan-Similkameen (Princeton):250-490-4225
• Bulkley-Nechako:250-692-3195

The Cariboo and Okanagan-Similkameen also have interactive maps that work similar to Google Maps to show evacuation zones.

• Cariboomap
• Okanagan-Similkameen map

What do I do once evacuated?

All provincial government information for evacuees is now being compiled here.

People who require immediate assistance, such as a place to sleep or grocery vouchers, should register in person at a designated emergency reception centre. You can find a list of reception centres here.

Emergency Social Services programs havebeen set up atthese locations.

What should I pack if I am ordered to evacuate?

All information on what to do if you are ordered to evacuatecan be found on theProvince of B.C.website.

The province recommendspreparing an emergency kit with water, personal medications, cell phone charger and other essential supplies.

How can I find out where all the fires are located?

BCWildfire.ca provides a list of active wildfires.

They can also be seen on thisinteractive map.

The map shows roughly where a fire is and its approximate size. Information is updated throughout the day, however, evacuation orders and alerts are still issued through local governments.

A list of wildfires of note can be found at the BC Wildfire Service.

Where can I find outabout road closures?

For road closures, Drive B.C.is updating itswebsiteas frequently as possible, sometimes as often as every five minutes.

For those unable to access a computer, you can call for information toll-free at 1-800-550-4997.

Should I register withthe Red Cross?

The Red Cross has taken on the task of tracking evacuees to make sure they are safe, reconnecting family members and facilitating long-term assistance. They are asking everyone to register with them, even those not in need of assistance.

People who should register include:

• People who have been evacuated
• People who are under evacuation order but have not left
• People who have not received an evacuation order but have left (on alert)
• People who have NOT left but are on alert

You can register at a reception centre,atredcross.caor by calling1-800-863-6582.

How can I get financial assistance, and how much will I receive?

TheRed Cross is working alongside government partners to provide direct financial assistance to evacuees who have registered with them. Eligiblehouseholds will receive$600 per householdin direct financial assistance through anelectronic funds transfer the quickest, most secure way to receive funds.

Is there any way evacuees can have telephone fees waived?

Telus is automatically cancelling overage fees for texting, data, and calling for their evacuated customers, while Rogers will be waiving their overage fees until July 21.

Evacuees who use Bell Mobility are asked to call 250-310-2355 for more information, and Virgin Mobile customers are asked to call to1-888-999-2321.

If I haveleftan area on alert, or have been evacuated and chosen to stay, can I still receivethe same assistance?

TheRed Cross aims to help everyone affected by the fires and will be reviewing everyone's situation on a case-by-case basis. This includes people who have left on alert but not been evacuated under order, people who have been evacuted but chosen to stay,

How can I locate family members who have been ordered to evacuate?

As the Red Cross is creating a database of evacuees, it is also best-equipped to help find someone, provided they've been registered. To ask for help finding someone, call the same toll-free number at1-800-863-6582.

Interior Health has also relocated many of its patients and people in care to other locationsbut has not yet had time to alert all family members.

They have set up a toll-free number and email address to help find loved ones at1-877-442-2001orpatient.concerns@interiorhealth.ca.

Where can I find a place to stay (or offer one)?

A number of online resources are available to help people and families find accommodationsor help match hosts with peoplein need.

• 2017 BC Wildfire Emergency Peer Accommodation Matching
• Evacuee Alternative Accommodations Prince George
• Airbnb Urgent Accomodations

There are also Facebook groups:

• B.C. Fire Evacuees Temp Housing Accommodations
• BC Relocation Support for Forest Fire Evacuees

How can I find (or offer) help?

The City of Prince George has set up a volunteer recruitment and training centre from8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week until further notice.

Offers of help are being compiled through various community Facebook pages and other websites, including:

• Prince George Welcoming Cariboo Evacuees
• BC Wildfire EvacueeSupport Group
• Central Interior Wildfire Evacuees in Prince George: Info, Help andResources
• TNRD Volunteer Connections 2017 Wildfire
• TNRD Donations and Lodging

Where can I find a place for my animals or livestock?

Many reception centres are connecting owners with spaces for their pets to stay and receive care. There are also a number of groups finding spaces for animals and livestock.

• BC WildFire Animal Resourcemap
• BC's Emergency Livestock /Animal Evacuation Group
• Missing Horses And Livestock BC Wildfire 2017

How can I find my lost or left-behind pet?

The B.C. SPCAis deploying special constables to evacuated regions of the province to find and care for pets and livestock left behind fire lines.

Evacuees from the CaribooRegional District canregister left-behind pets bycalling 1-855-622-7722 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (5:00 p.m. on weekends).

Evacuees in other regions are directed to contact their regional district.

Owners affected by wildfire also qualify for free registration with the SPCA'sB.C. Pet Registryusing the offer code "Reunite."

How do I get my mail?

An ongoing list of service disruptions can be found by visiting the Canada Post website.

Evacuees can sign up for a free temporary mail forwarding service through Canada Post by visiting any one of their offices or online at canadapost.ca/mailforwarding.

Searches for critical items already in the mail,including medicine and passports, can be initiated by calling 1-800-267-1177.

Where can I donate money to help?

You can quickly donate $10to theRed Cross bytexting "fires" to 45678.

Donations to the Red Cross are now also accepted at all B.C. Liquor Stores and Canadian Tirelocations.

Cash donations to the Canadian Red Cross are also being accepted atReal Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Extra Foods, Independent, Loblaws, City Market and Wholesale Club stores.

You can alsodonate your Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum points to therelief efforts. The companyis matching all points donated to a maximum of $25,000.

If I am returning homeafter being evacuated, how do I clean up and deal with the damage?

TheGuide to Wildfire Recovery from theRed Cross covers all essential steps to returning home and starting the cleaning up process.

People returning home may findred-coloured fire retardantcovering some or all of their property. This substance prevents the spread of fire and is similar in composition to fertilizer. It can be scrubbed off with soap and water.

Fridges and freezers may be kept depending on the extent of damage. This guide outlines how to make insurance claims on spoiled foodand the safe disposal of anappliance.

Crews are also planning to visit areas where evacuees are returning, in order to showresidents safe clean-up practices.

How do I check the air quality?

Environment Canada issues air quality advisories as part of its public weather alerts.

Additionally, B.C.'s Ministry of Environment provides air quality health Index (AQHI) forecastsand live readings from air monitoring stations on an interactive map.