Sign-Up for ENews Log-In to smy̓may̓WFN
E-Mail 250-769-4999 Directory
As the Wildfire season is upon us it is important that we all take the time to be prepared in case of emergency.
WFN encourages you to prepare your family in advance of any emergency that might force you from your home or require you to shelter in place (or be at home without power for several days).
In large scale events such as forest fires, floods, long-term power outages and other disasters, WFN collaborates and receives assistance from our regional partners, including Fire, Police, Healthcare, and neighbouring municipalities plus the Regional District. The emergency program is further supported by Emergency Social Services (ESS) volunteers and others.
News and updates regarding Central Okanagan emergencies will be posted to the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE for Central Okanagan emergency e-updates.
By visiting WFN's Government or Community Services offices during regular business hours, Members can obtain a copy of BC 's 'Emergency Preparedness Guide', as well as an "OK/HELP" sign to display in the window of your home during a disaster. If you are directly experiencing an emergency, such as the threat of life, please call 911.
What do to during an outage
Here’s some steps you can take now to ensure you and your family have what you need in the unfortunate event that you must evacuate your home:
Above image is from the Government of BC Wildfire Preparedness Guide
Get somewhere safe. The evacuation reception centre will be listed on your evacuation order or follow instructions provided by your local authority, Emergency Info BC (or @EmergencyInfoBC), Central Okanagan Emergency Operations, WFN News Updates, or local news. First Nation Health Authority team members are available at many centres to help community members to access culturally-safe supports. If possible, consider staying with friends or family outside of the evacuation area.
For a list of evacuation alerts and orders, or information on how to find a reception centre, call the Emergency Support Services (ESS) line at 1-800-585-9559 or go to emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/wildfires-2021.
If you can, help Elders and neighbours who have limited mobility to evacuate.
Register for ESS online or by phone (1-800-585-9559) It’s crucial that you register even if you don’t need accommodation to ensure all evacuees are accounted for and First Responders do not go back in looking for individuals who have already evacuated.
Reunite. If you are looking for someone that has been impacted or displaced by wildfires, or you want your loved ones to know that you are okay, call the Canadian Red Cross Family Reunification line at 1-800-863-6582.
Wait for the evacuation to be rescinded before returning home
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and need to evacuate
Connect with your case manager for the latest health system information and if possible:
o Evacuate by your own vehicle. If you do not have a personal vehicle, ask your case manager for instructions
o Maintain physical distancing while travelling
o Go to designated accommodations immediately using the most direct, safe route
The following information is published on the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) website at spca.bc.ca
Register your pet
In the event you’re separated from your pet during an emergency evacuation, making sure your pet is registered with identification (microchip, tattoo or licence) is crucial for a quick and safe return.
During an emergency, your pet may have entered a shelter and its microchip can be easily scanned (or tattoo code read). The ID is then searched on bcpetregistry.ca and owner is contacted using the phone number or email on your pet’s profile. *It’s important that your contact details are updated if they ever change – this can be done online.
Emergency Checklist
Animal Assistance Programs at Evacuation Reception Centres
The following information is from the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART)
Experienced animal-care volunteers work with evacuation reception centres to receive pets and move them to a safe place where they will be cared for until you’re able to return home.
Make the evacuation reception centre your first point of contact and ask them to put you in touch with an animal assistance organization.
For questions or support for moving non-commercial livestock or farm animals, visit the CDART community Facebook pages at: CDART Southwest BC CDART Central BC CDART Website
FNHA Health Info for evacuees
FNHA Need to see a doctor
Evacuation Registration and Assistance for All Areas: 844-537-7377
EmergencyInfoBC is active during partial and full-scale provincial emergencies. Follow on Twitter @EmergencyInfoBC for official response and recovery sources, as well as verified information from trusted partners
Central Okanagan Emergency Centre: 250-469-8490 or 1-877-569-8490
Interior Health Current Major Events
Northern Health Wildfire Information
First Nations Health Authority Wildfire Response
Interactive map of current wildfires in BC
Please visit our COVID-19 web page for up to date resources and information, and our Facilities and Services updates web page for our phased re-opening strategy.
Emergency Planning BC Hydro (power outages) BC Wildfire Services Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre (local emergency-related news and resources) Fire Smart FortisBC (power outages and gas emergencies) Interior Health (health and drinking water advisories) Okanagan Lake levels River Forecast Centre (flooding/freshet/snow pack information)