Image: Kamloops smoke this week
13 First Nations communities in BC are under evacuation order or alert. Status cards are now available for processing at Kamloops Powwow grounds. Today’s update includes important information for those preparing to return home.
Status Cards (Photo Identification)
Status Cards will be available in Kamloops at the Powwow grounds from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday & Sunday and from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Please go to the RV at the Arbour (next to the Powwow Grounds). Contact Denise Thomas for more information 778-220-2079.
Prevent Illness by Washing Your Hands
There have been a number of stomach-bug type gastrointestinal cases reported at the Kamloops reception centre and Powwow grounds. Viruses spread quickly amongst large group gatherings. If you have symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea please report to medical personnel. Viruses can live on hard surfaces for up to 2 days, and on hands for up to 5 minutes. Please wash your hands often to keep yourself and others healthy.
Not all illnesses are virus related. With hot conditions, heat stroke is also present. Please remember to drink plenty of water, seek shade and report to medical personnel if feeling ill.
Returning home
Local and First Nations governments have been collaborating with a number of support agencies such as the Red Cross, RCMP, Salvation Army, BC SPCA, BC Hydro, Telus and many others to ensure that communities are supported for the eventual return home.
100 Mile House is the community closest to having such services in place. Plans are well underway to establish emergency healthcare, emergency 911 service, power, food services, waste management services and security of adjacent areas which may still be under evacuation order. The City of Williams Lake’s preparations are not far behind.
While these efforts are underway, there is still an active evacuation order in effect with only pre-identified individuals permitted to access the area. These individuals are arriving for the purpose of restoring essential services and will have restricted movement permitted within the area. They will not be bringing family members in with them unless they are essential to the restoration of services. Security will be in place to enforce the evacuation order.
Water, food and home safety considerations will be included in returning home communication in the coming days. FNHA Environmental Health Officers are available for immediate water testing, home and food safety needs – please call Regional Manager Casey Neathway with any questions: 778-875-3486 or the after-hours line: 1-844-666-0711.
First Aid and Primary Care Services near Powwow grounds
First aid services are still available at the Powwow grounds. Primary care services are now being delivered away from the Powwow grounds at the Sandman Centre. Shuttles are volunteer staffed and tentatively leave the Powwow grounds every hour on the hour.
Pharmacist, nurse practitioner and nursing services are now delivered all in one place.
Stay informed on outdoor air quality conditions, plan your outdoor activities, and manage exposure to outdoor air pollution.
The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) Canada app informs users of the level of health risk associated with local outdoor air quality. The app provides hourly AQHI readings and daily forecasts for all AQHI communities across Canada.
Red Cross Aid Payments Extended to Every 14 Days
An additional $600 will now be available for every 14 day period evacuees are unable to return to their homes due the wildfires. Distribution of funds is being coordinated by the Red Cross. The Red Cross registration phone lines are open 24/7 and there are zero wait times. The phone number is 1-800-863-6582. People can also register online at
www.redcross.ca.
Emergency Social Services Lodging
Emergency Support Services (ESS) have been extended to evacuees that do not have insurance, including lodging. To maintain lodging it is important to complete the renewal/extension process at the reception service centre. ESS is recommending that people bring their original paperwork to speed up the extension process. There are some limitations with Thompson Rivers University lodging after August 11 and agencies are looking at alternate arrangements, should the evacuation order extend beyond this date.
For other evacuees who are in hotels and renewed today, their renewal period is 7 days. If another renewal is required evacuees will need to follow the renewal process and may remain in their hotels. This will continue for the duration of the event. No one will be required to move from hotels to group lodging.
Health Benefits Contacts for Refilling Prescriptions; Medical Transportation; Medical Supplies and Equipment (Including Oxygen Tanks) and Eyewear; Dental Items (Dentures): Call 1-800-317-7878
Stay Up To Date
Our
FNHA wildfire information page (fnha.ca/wildfires) is the main location for FNHA updates on the wildfire situation, current evacuation zones, road closures, emergency phone lines and other crucial emergency services.
