An Evacuation Alert is a notification of danger in your area. Evacuation Alerts are issued to advise everyone of the potential for loss of life from a hazard, and they should be prepared to evacuate. When your community has received an Evacuation Alert you should prepare to move to a safe area.
Things that should be done at this time are:
- Gather essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers, immediate care needs for dependants and, if you choose, valuable keepsakes, photographs, etc. Make these items available for immediate access for a quick departure.
- If you require transportation, the person providing the alert notification will also provide information on transportation arrangements for you.
- Know the location of all family members and determine a planned meeting place should an evacuation be called while separated.
- Prepare to evacuate disabled persons and children. Relocate large pets and livestock to a safe area immediately, if possible.
- Arrange accommodation for your family, if possible. In the event of an evacuation, emergency lodging will be provided if necessary. This lodging will probably not permit pets so it is suggested that alternate arrangements be made for pets at the same time.
- It is important that you follow the directives you are given by the authorities to ensure your safety as they have made plans for safe and effective movement of evacuees.
Everyone in the affected area should now be ready to move quickly from the area if required.
An Evacuation Order will only be issued by authorities if there is imminent potential for loss of life or injury. These orders are issued in the interest of life safety. Members of the RCMP, local fire departments, search and rescue and the local authorities may let people know by going door to door, broadcasting on radio/television, or calling residents on the telephone.
Things that should be done at this time are:
- Gather personal/family emergency kit.
- Proceed quickly and calmly to the nearest evacuation site (temporary or permanent).
- Report to the Reception Centre indicated and register with the staff at the centre.
- Keep a flashlight and portable radio with you.
- Follow the evacuation instructions which have been provided to you in the Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order.
- Ensure that you haven't forgotten a necessity as travel will be one-way only out of your area to allow emergency vehicles access.
- Take everything you will require for an extended stay, and remember, the police will enforce this evacuation order.
When the emergency situation is under control and hazard/emergency zone is declared safe, a Rescind declaration will be issued and you will be allowed back to their homes.
In the event of an emergency, reception centres will be set up for evacuees. The nature of the emergency and the evacuation measures will determine how many reception centres will be opened and where they will be located. During a emergency listen to the radio for further information.
Occasionally an evacuation may cause more danger to residents than staying in place. In these cases such as the sudden release of hazardous gas, sudden storms, earthquakes, or impending terrorist attack, residents may need to shelter in place.
In the event of shelter in place, information will be broadcasted via radio and television. The local police may also do notifications using a public address system.
