B.C. residents encouraged to assemble, stash emergency kits during fire season

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – With temperatures still above normal and an increased fire danger rating around B.C., the province is encouraging you to have some emergency supplies stowed away in case you’re forced out of your home.

Carmen Ewels with First Aid Survival Technologies Limited, which is based in Delta, says people need to not just think, but act now to be prepared.

“What you need that’s essential is water … a way to stay cool,” she said, noting it’s ideal if water can be stored in the freezer but it doesn’t need to be cold.

Flashlights and batteries are next on the list. Ewels notes it’s a good idea to keep your vehicle topped up with fuel.

“That way, if you have to evacuate quickly, you don’t have to worry about running around and trying to find a gas station,” she said, adding it’s a good idea to keep emergency supplies in your vehicle.”

RELATED: Lightning risk increases chance of more wildfires in B.C.

Ewels also suggests keeping a full First Aid kit in your car, including a backup of important medications.

It’s also important to think about important papers and documents.

“They should be stashed away in a safe place. But definitely, photocopies [should be] taken. That way, they’ve got them there when they need to show any kind of identification,” she explained.

Many people who were forced out of their homes due to the wildfire in the Lytton area had little to no time to grab their belongings or treasures before getting into the car and driving to a neighbouring community.

People and businesses have been offering up food and supplies. Some others have even opened their homes to people in need.