​An Evacuation Alert means you should be ready to evacuate on short notice in the event of an order. Preparations should include taking the following steps: 

• Designate a family meeting area outside the evacuation area, should an Evacuation Order be called while separated.
• Pack essential items such as government-issued ID, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (e.g., insurance, credit, and mortgage information), immediate care needs for dependents and, if time and space permits, keepsakes for quick departure.
• Replenish any items that have expired or need replacement, ensure you and your family members have enough clothing and incidentals for a 72-hour period and have these items readily available for quick departure. 
• Create an emergency supplies kit and/or grab-and-go bag with other essential items like a flashlight, radio, and whistle. See www.preparedbc.ca for details.
• Prepare to move persons with disabilities, children and/or neighbours, if assistance is needed.
• Prepare to take pets with you and move livestock to a safe area (if possible).
• Arrange transportation for your household members. Fill the gas tanks of personal vehicles.
• Arrange accommodation. 

An Evacuation Order means you must leave the area immediately. Local authorities will not ask you to leave without good reason, and failing to leave when asked by officials puts you and others at risk. When an evacuation order is issued: 

• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes to help protect from unforeseen hazards.  
• Collect family members or go to the place designated in your family plan as a meeting place.  
• Take pets with you in kennels or on a leash; do not leave them behind. Because pets are not permitted in public shelters, follow your plan to go to a relative or friend’s home, or find a pet-friendly hotel.  
• Grab your emergency kit and follow the directions to the identified reception centre. 
• Close all doors and windows. Close and latch gates, but do not lock them.  
• If there is time and it is safe to do so, shut off water at the main line into your home and switch off electricity at the breaker panel. Leave natural gas service “on.”  
• Follow the routes specified by emergency officials. Avoid shortcuts – they could lead to a blocked or dangerous area.  
• Stay well away from any downed power lines.  
• If going to an evacuation centre, sign up with the registration desk so you can be contacted or reunited with family and loved ones.
• Contact your out-of-area emergency contact (identified in your personal emergency plan) to let them know what has happened, that you are all right, and how to contact you. Alert them to any separated family members. 

Definitions retrieved from: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/home/wildfire-preparedness/evacuation-alert-vs-evacuation-order/

For detailed Wildfire resources and updates, we recommend you go right to the source: Shuswap Emergency Program | CSRD, BC.

For a view of active wildfires visit this interactive map site.

Evacuation Alerts and updates will also be provided via our Facebook page (@SASCUfinancialgroup), our SASCU app and online banking, and our website's homepage.