Fuse Insurance

Wildfire Mini Series: Preparing Your Home and Family

Knowing how to respond in the event of a wildfire is a concern and responsibility of the entire community and it could help save your life and the lives of others as well. Human-caused fires account for just over half of all wildfires in Canada, with lightning strikes causing the majority of the remainder, according to Natural Resources Canada. Wildfire season can start as early as March 1st and can continue until October. In the last 2 years, British Colombia (B.C.) experienced record-breaking wildfire seasons. With many of the major recent wildfires occurring in B.C., Alberta, and Ontario, it can be expected that these fires will continue to affect and change Canadian summers in the coming years.

 

Preparing your home for a wildfire

Source: FireSmart Canada Homeowner’s Manual

 

Evacuation Alerts and Orders

If an Evacuation Alert or Order is issued, it is important to know the difference between the two.

Evacuation Alert

If an Emergency Alert is ordered, be prepared to evacuate your home on very little notice. Gather important documents, several days of clothing, toiletries, and medications. Listen for further information from local emergency officials.

Evacuation Order

If an Emergency Order is issued, evacuate the affected area immediately. Make sure you are aware of any highway closures and follow the directions of local emergency officials to know which route(s) are recommended for evacuation. Let someone know where you will be going and register at a reception centre if told to do so. Do not return to your home until you’ve been advised that the Evacuation Order has been lifted. 

 

Protect yourself from wildfire smoke

With increased wildfires comes air quality advisories that can last anywhere from a few days to multiple weeks at a time. Minimize and reduce your exposure to smoke-filled skies in order to protect your long-term health. Those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions as well as infants and seniors should take extra caution. Make sure to check for air quality advisories that are in-effect in your area before spending long periods of time outdoors or participating in vigorous outdoor activities. 

Read on: Preparing Your Business for a Wildfire and What to do After a Wildfire Occurs

Read on: Most Common Causes of House Fires and How to Prevent Them

 

Further Resources:

BC Active Wildfire Dashboard

Alberta’s Wildfire Dashboard

BC Fire Bans and Restrictions

Alberta Fire Bans and Restrictions

 


Fuse Insurance Ltd. is the evolution of the commercial insurance brokerage, and the first of its kind in Western Canada. Backed by policies from a selection of A-rated insurers, Fuse Insurance can provide coverage for businesses large and small from almost any industry. For further information or to get an online quote now, click here or call us at 1-866-387-FUSE (3873) for more details.

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