Emergency Management

Wildfire Emergency Preparedness

What to do if there is an emergency or evacuation order

How will I know if I’m/we’re being evacuated?

If an evacuation order is called, ACFN’s emergency management staff will attempt to contact you by

• Phone with the number we have on file, so we urge you to keep your contact information up to date with the Nation.
• Our personnel will go door to door with the information to share with you.
• Post the evacuation order on our Facebook page and our website

How will I know if it’s an evacuation order?

There are three stages to an evacuation.

• Evacuation Alert: This is a warning issued to those that are at risk and are asked to be ready to leave on short notice. (Note; If you decide to leave the area during this alert, it is referred to as “voluntary evacuation”.
• Evacuation Order: This is done when there is an impending risk of the wildfire and people must leave the area immediately.
• Evacuation Rescind: An evacuation order or alert is rescinded when the proper authorities deem it safe to return home.

When an order is given, do I have to evacuate?

When the alert or order comes on, it can be very unsettling and emotional for some people, particularly for those who have gone through a similar situation. We understand that you may be reluctant to leave your home or your community, but keep in mind by doing so you put yourself, your family and responder in danger. If the order was given and you choose to remain, you can impede the ability of the fire crew to fight the fire because they may be forced to stop fighting the fire to keep you safe.

How do I prepare for an evacuation?

Part of the preparation is to have an emergency kit ready and should include these items.

Water and Food

• Water and other Liquids with electrolytes (4L per person per day)
• Non-perishable food high in protein such as protein bars, dried fruit, crackers, cereals trail mix and canned meat.

Clothing

• Extra change of clothing including under garments and socks
• Jacket, extra shoes and a sleeping bag.

Equipment

• Battery operated flashlight with extra batteries.
• Pocketknife/multi-tool
• Duct tape.
• Lighter and matches
• Pen and paper

Medication

• Prescription and over the counter medications
• A copy of your prescriptions
• A back-up pair of prescription glasses

Personal supplies

• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer and wipes
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• toilet paper and paper towel
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Garbage and re-sealable bags
• Hand soap and detergent

Important documents

• Copies of birth and marriage certificate, passport, citizenship papers and wills
• Insurance papers
• Personal identification
• Cash

Other items

• Toys for children and pets
• Activity books and puzzles
• Playing cards and board games
• Notebook and pen

What if I don’t have a vehicle to evacuate with?

You be directed to a muster area or a place like bus stops, certain buildings where buses or other means of transportation will accommodate. No-one gets left behind.

What about my pets?

Take your pets with you, but if you are unable to then you should leave enough water and food out for them for a couple of days and let the appropriate people know of your situation and that they have enough food and water to last a few days.

Planning for wildfire season and what you can do to help.

• Stay up to date on advisories and weather conditions in your area, including fire restrictions or bans and adhere to them.
• Remove any fire hazards in and around you home.
• Have a good working sprinkler handy and ready to go.

These are some trusted agencies and resources including numbers to rely on for accurate information in case of an emergency.

Fire related Emergencies:

• Call- 911 if it’s close to the community.
• Call- 310-FIRE (3473) to report a wildfire.

Information sources:

• ACFN- 780-697-3730
• ACFN- Facebook
• ACFN-info@acfn.com

Want to know the stages of a fire ban?

Fire advisory: A fire advisory is an indication that the fire danger rating has increased. Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas.

Fire restriction: A fire restriction prohibits the use of wood campfires on public land but does allow wood campfires inside provincial campgrounds and private property. Fire permits may be restricted, suspended or cancelled and no new fire permits will be issued.

Fire ban: A fire ban prohibits wood campfires on public land, campgrounds and private land including backyard fire pits. Fire permits will be suspended or cancelled, and no new permits will be issued.