Preparing for Wildfire Season

Sher Kirk - Operations Director, Utility Safety Partners

With 47 wildfires already burning in Alberta, we can expect that this summer will bring more evacuations and challenges. The threat is real.

During a wildfire emergency, USP’s role is to maintain normal emergency procedures and to support utilities by updating contact information frequently to keep critical locate requests getting to and from the boots on the ground. The most important thing to remember in an emergency is that it is NOT the time to change procedures. By following established protocols and continuing to call in Emergency Locate Requests in advance of heavy equipment crossings or digging firebreaks, we can prevent compounding the danger to responders who are working near pipelines and overhead power.

Key elements influence how successful we are in handling emergency situations like a wildfire: Level of Preparedness, Awareness/Communication, Response, and Recovery.

Preparedness:

Alberta government agencies and emergency responders have been preparing for wildfire season for months. What can you do to be prepared? Some tips from alberta.ca:  

• Maintain an emergency kit stocked with supplies such as water, food, battery-powered or crank radio and flashlight, extra batteries.
• Store important documents such as passports, birth certificates, banking information and insurance papers in a safe place in an above ground location.
• If you have a vehicle, keep the tank full in case fuel stations lose power or close. Keep a vehicle emergency kit and include an extra phone charger and power bank with necessary adapters.
• Have a pet and livestock plan in case of evacuation. Include where they will go and how they will get there.
• Have a pre-arranged plan to assist vulnerable neighbours in case of evacuation.

Awareness/Communication

• Download the Alberta Wildfire app for mobile devices.
• If you see a fire, report it immediately to 911 or 310-FIRE
• See Alberta Wildfire for the status and location of wildfires, fire bans and restrictions, and learn more about wildfire prevention.
• Obey all instructions from authorities. Check the radio, wildfire app, and social media often for updates.
• Let your family and friends know your status and location.

Response

• Do not attempt to fight a fire on your own.
• If you are told to prepare to evacuate, get ready. Seal the windows and doors of your home to keep smoke out. Load your vehicle(s) with the essentials.
• When the order comes to evacuate, know your safest route to shelter and LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Fire is unpredictable and minutes could make a difference in the accessibility of escape routes.

Recovery

Do NOT return home until the authorities have cleared you to do so.

• It may take time for authorities and utilities to verify that the area is safe and that utilities are reconnected and tested. 
• Check your home, roof and surrounding area for potential hotspots or embers. Soak these areas and check them frequently over several days.
• When you are ready for clean-up or to rebuild fences or buildings, do not forget to place a request for locates BEFORE you dig. There may be delays in getting a response during widespread emergency and recovery efforts, but not waiting for those locates could cost your life or your home.

Be prepared. Stay safe. Remember to Click Before You Dig – especially during an emergency.