Wildfire Season Preparation: Your Evacuation Kit Guide
Don’t Get Caught Unprepared in Alberta’s Wildfire Season
I’m hiking through a quiet forest on a warm May afternoon, the scent of pine in the air, when my phone shrieks with an Alberta Emergency Alert: “Wildfire nearby, evacuate immediately.” Smoke gradually begins to sting my eyes, and panic hits. I’m far from home, my car’s low on gas, and I’ve got no ID, water, or plan. Stumbling to the trailhead, I curse my lack of preparation. Alberta’s wildfire season, March 1 to October 31, scorched 2.2 million hectares in 2023 alone. Don’t face this chaos unprepared. Here’s how to build an evacuation kit, key tips to stay ready, and why the Alberta Wildfire app is a lifesaver.
Why Prepare for Wildfires in Alberta?
Alberta’s wildfires are ferocious, displacing thousands and torching millions of hectares, as seen in 2023. Droughts and early starts fuel fast-spreading fires in forests and grasslands. Evacuation alerts can turn into mandatory orders in hours, leaving no time to pack. A pre-packed evacuation kit means you’re ready to flee safely, whether at home, work, or on the road.
Building Your Evacuation Kit: What to Bring
Your evacuation kit should sustain you for at least 72 hours, ideally a week, per Alberta’s emergency guidelines. Store it in a waterproof, portable bag (backpack or duffel) in an accessible spot, like your car or near a door. Here’s what to pack:
- Water and Food:
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- 4 litres of water per person per day (12 litres for 72 hours).
- Non-perishable food (granola bars, canned goods, trail mix).
- Manual can opener and reusable utensils.
- Documents and Cash:
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- Copies of ID’s, passports, insurance papers, and banking info in a sealed, waterproof bag.
- $200-$300 in cash for expenses if ATMs or cards fail.
- Medical and Hygiene Supplies:
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- Prescription medications (7-day supply).
- First-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers).
- Hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, sanitizer, masks for smoke).
- Clothing and Comfort:
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- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, sturdy shoes).
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- Small morale boosters (book, cards, kids’ toys).
- Electronics and Tools:
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- Battery-powered crank radio/flashlight (extra batteries).
- Phone charger with vehicle adapter.
- Multi-tool for basic repairs.
- Pet and Livestock Plan:
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- Pet food, water, and carriers.
- For livestock, plan evacuation routes and safe destinations. Never leave pets behind without an escape route. If necessary, write your name and phone number on animals (on halters, hooves etc.) and open gates to allow animals to escape from the wildfire if transport is unavailable.
Pro Tip: Label your kit with your name and contact info. Update it seasonally and keep a checklist to avoid missing items.
Things to Rememeber
- Vehicle Readiness: Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full during wildfire season. Include an emergency kit with a charger, blanket, and jumper cables. Park facing out for a quick exit.
- Important Documents: Store originals in a fireproof safe above ground, not in a basement, to protect against fire or flooding.
- Safe Practices: Clear flammable items (firewood, propane tanks) within 1.5 meters of your home or workplace. Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor.
- Mental Health Support: Evacuations are stressful. Save Alberta’s Mental Health Help Line (1-877-303-2642) or Health Link (811) in your phone.
- Practice Your Plan: Run evacuation drills with family or coworkers. Know your community’s evacuation routes and reception centers at alberta.ca/emergency.
Stay Informed with the Alberta Wildfire App
The Alberta Wildfire Status app is your lifeline for real-time updates, available on the App Store and Google Play. It offers:
- Wildfire Map: Track active fires, their status (out of control, being held, under control), and locations.
- Fire Bans and Restrictions: Check advisories to avoid sparking fires (e.g., no campfires during bans).
- Report a Wildfire: Call 310-FIRE (3473) from the app to report fires in forested areas.
- Push Notifications: Get alerts for extreme wildfire situations, but cross-check with the Alberta Emergency Alert app.
Note: The app covers Alberta’s Forest Protection Area, so grass or municipal fires may not appear. Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app for broader alerts. Update both apps regularly for reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should I be prepared to be away? Plan for 72 hours, but pack for a week, as re-entry (e.g., Jasper 2024) may be delayed.
- What if I can’t take everything? Prioritize documents, medications, and water. Leave non-essentials.
- Can I stay during an evacuation order? No. Orders are mandatory for safety. Follow authorities’ instructions.
- How do I spread the word? Share this guide with family or coworkers and discuss preparedness.
Why Preparation Matters
Wildfires strike without warning, as seen in Fort McMurray (2016) and Jasper (2024). One spark can disrupt lives, but preparation prevents panic. A ready evacuation kit and real-time updates keep you safe at home or work. Safety Ahead Ltd. offers tailored emergency response plans and training to protect you, your family, and your workplace.
Don’t let a wildfire catch you off guard. Contact Safety Ahead Ltd. for a safety consultation today. Stay prepared, Alberta!