As British Columbians prepare for another season of potential flooding and wildfires, and the BC Wildfire Service identifying 28 active wildfires as of May 4, United Way British Columbia (United Way BC) encourages seniors, families, and individuals to use their Emergency Preparedness Guides to plan now for what’s to come.
Poviding information on how to create a plan in case of extreme weather, the guidebooks outline critical, practical information like what to have on hand in case of an emergency, how to navigate power or utility loss, and insurance
considerations.
“As wildfires and other climate-driven disasters begin earlier and intensify each year, resilience and preparedness are no longer optional: they are essential and preparation is key,” says Kristi Rintoul, Senior Director, Community Impact &
Investment, United Way BC.
“United Way BC is supporting communities and individuals before disaster strikes by ensuring they have access to clear, simple, step-by-step guidance that builds confidence, reduces chaos, and strengthens their ability to respond and recover when it matters most.”
United Way says three guidebooks are available; one for seniors, one for individuals and families, and one to support community-wide collaboration in preparation of a large-scale event.
For Seniors
– Emergency Preparedness Guide: What seniors need to know in partnership with Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Katzie Seniors Network and funded by the Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Health.
For Individuals and Families
– Extreme Weather Preparedness Guide: What you need to know to prepare for extreme weather in British Columbia funded from the Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR).
For Communities
– Working Together in an Emergency: Social Sector Activation Guide a guide for host communities welcoming evacuees and working alongside Emergency Support Services (ESS).
The United Way says these resources were developed especially for those who may find it difficult to navigate the Internet. All books are available on United Way BC’s website.
United Way officials note that every year brings more devastating environmental disasters, and the outlook is clear: more flooding, drought, and
wildfires across the province.
According to the United Way, disaster season in BC is the predictable stretch when floods and wildfires accelerate. Officials say this is the eve of that season, a brief window for planning, resourcing, and rehearsing before response takes over. The organization says preparation doesn’t start when the sirens do. It starts now.
United Way British Columbia says it remains steadfast in supporting individuals and communities to not only respond to a climate crisis event but, just as importantly, recover and build resilience to better respond to these disasters.
The United Way says they are committed to the wellbeing of BC’s communities and work alongside those affected through recovery to help create long-term sustainability.
To learn more about the United Way’s work in this space, please watch their impact video of how they supported recovery & resilience in Kelowna after the devastating wildfires, or visit BC Wildfire Recovery Fund | United Way British Columbia.
The United Way says its emergency preparedness guides are another way they are supporting people affected by disasters all year round.
While sitting down and planning for an emergency is work nobody wants to do, officials say it is now a necessary step for British Columbians, and they are confident these resources will help.
May 4-10 is Emergency Preparedness Week.
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