Information for Wildfire Evacuees - Communique Ten

8/4/2017

Information for Wildfire Evacuees

14 First Nations communities in BC are under evacuation order or alert. This communique includes important information on community re-entry; available supports and services; Status Cards; air quality; and other updates.
Potentially record-breaking temperatures can be expected across BC this week, creating the potential for increased fire activity. We urge you to stay up to date with alerts in your area (https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/).

 

Staff Hours at Evacuation Centres in Prince George and Kamloops
With many evacuees returning home and less demand for services, the FNHA has adjusted hours and availability of staff support at evacuation centres in Prince George (College of New Caledonia) and Kamloops (Thompson Rivers University).
FNHA staff are on site at the evacuation centre in Prince George from 1pm – 4pm, Monday to Friday. Please contact a member of the FNHA Northern regional team for more information.
FNHA staff are available in Kamloops for support. Please contact a member of the FNHA Interior regional team for more information.

 

Extreme heat warnings
While extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for older adults; infants and young children; people with chronic illnesses, such as breathing difficulties, heart conditions, or psychiatric illnesses; people who work in the heat; people who exercise in the heat; and people experiencing homelessness.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you are caring for someone, such as a neighbour, who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating.
Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which include: dizziness or fainting; nausea or vomiting; headache; rapid breathing and heartbeat; extreme thirst; and decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine. If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Water is best.

 

Community Re-Entry in Williams Lake and Surrounding Areas
Before returning to previously evacuated communities, residents are advised that wildfire activity continues in the area, and communities are still on evacuation alert. Please also note that many major stores in Williams Lake are not yet open, including the Walmart, Canadian Tire and Superstore and some supplies, food and homewares may be limited.

For information on what health services are currently available from Interior Health in the Williams Lake area, please read IH’s bulletin here: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/AboutUs/MediaCentre/NewsReleases/Documents/Updates%20on%20Williams%20Lake%20health%20services.pdf

 

Williams Lake Resiliency Centre
A Resiliency Centre for returning evacuees is still open in Williams Lake at the Boitanio Mall (850 Oliver Street) and will be open from 8 am-8 pm daily. The Resiliency Centre can be contacted at 250-305-0226. FNHA staff are available on site from August 2-4. The centre is also hosting representatives from a number of service agencies in the area.

 

Williams Lake Area Food and Water Donations
There is an abundance of donated water and food available for returning families and communities. To pick up or arrange delivery, please contact the Donation Centre located in Williams Lake at the old Ford Dealership or call Zach at 587-645-5165.

 

Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Emergency Operations Centre
Frequent updates are being made to the CRD Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations/
The CRD public information phone line is open daily between 8 am-4:30 pm. If you have a question, call 1-866-759-4977.
The CRD is also providing video updates on the wildfire situation on its YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk6Y8zWI_hHJXMgSIiJB-9w

 

Information on Returning to Your Home After Wildfires
Your home may be impacted by smoke, soot and ash, chemicals, structural damage and water damage. This information document is a collection of health and safety considerations during initial work to restore your home: http://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-Returning-to-Your-Home-After-Wildfires.pdf
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.

 

  • Smoke and Air Quality
    Smoky skies remain throughout much of the province, and air quality is poor in some areas. Current updates can be found here: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/bcairquality/readings/aqhi-table.xml
    Interior Health and the BC Provincial Health Officer (PHO) are currently recommending that evacuees whose communities are no longer on evacuation order return to their homes. Given the nature of the fires and smoke patterns across the province, smoke conditions at evacuation centres are generally as bad, or worse, than the home communities.
    Interior Health and the PHO recommend that if you are at increased risk of health concerns as a result of smoke:

    -  Have rescue medication on hand at all times and a plan to follow if your rescue medication cannot bring your condition under control.- 
    -  Look for indoor environments that might be less smoky, such as shopping malls, community centres and libraries.
    -  Avoid physical exertion because the amount of smoke you breathe increases as your breathing rate increases.
    -  Keep hydrated as it helps your body deal with inflammation.


Air quality reports for individual communities can be requested from FNHA Environmental Public Health Services. Contact:
• During regular business hours: Casey Neathway at 778-875-3486 or at casey.neathway@fnha.ca
• After hours: 1-844-666-0711 or ephs.afterhours@fnha.ca)

 

BC Hydro Wildfire Evacuee Assistance Program
Bill credits and payment plans are available to residential and commercial customers affected by wildfires. Find out more about your account status by calling the customer team for assistance at: 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376).

 

Phone Carrier Evacuation Assistance
TELUS has also waived overage fees for impacted postpaid customers and has reached out to those affected with further information. Prepaid customers will receive a $15 bill credit and FFH customers will have their billing suspended and/or charges waived.

 

Red Cross Aid Payments
An additional $600 is 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.

Additional Information from the Red Cross on Payments:
• The process for payment could take up to a week.
• If you need urgent, immediate assistance (such as food, clothing, lodging), please go to your local authority / regional district’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) centres. If you don’t need immediate help, just register with the Red Cross for the $600 aid payment.
• Red Cross needs to validate eligibility and people’s ID before distributing the financial assistance. If you don’t have government-issued identification, please see a Red Cross worker or call the Red Cross registration line at 1-800-863-6582
• If a registered evacuee does not have an email account or does not have access to online banking, Red Cross could provide them with payment cards at one of the reception centres.

 

Status Cards (Photo Identification)
Status Cards for evacuees are available in Kamloops at the Tk’emlups Band Administration Office from 8 am-4 pm, Monday to Friday.
Address: 147-345 Chiefs Alex Thomas Way, Kamloops, BC.
Contact: Denise Thomas at 778-220-2079 or Aurora Casimir at 250-828-9880. You can also call Tk’emlups Reception at 250-828-9810.

First Nations 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 ( www.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.