Seniors, families, and individuals encouraged to know the risks and plan for floods, wildfires, and other climate crises

As British Columbians prepare for another season of flooding and wildfires, and the BC Wildfire Service identifying 28 active wildfires today, United Way British Columbia (United Way BC) encourages seniors, families, and individuals to use their Emergency Preparedness Guides to plan now for what’s to come.

Providing information on how to create a plan in case of extreme weather, the guidebooks outline critical, practical information like what to have on hand in case of an emergency, how to navigate power or utility loss, and insurance considerations.

“As wildfires and other climate-driven disasters begin earlier and intensify each year, resilience and preparedness are no longer optional: they are essential and preparation is key,” said Kristi Rintoul, Senior Director, Community Impact & Investment, United Way BC.

“United Way BC is supporting communities and individuals before disaster strikes by ensuring they have access to clear, simple, step-by-step guidance that builds confidence, reduces chaos, and strengthens their ability to respond and recover when it matters most.”

Three guidebooks are available; one for seniors, one for individuals and families, and one to support community-wide collaboration in preparation of a large-scale event.

For Individuals and Families

– Extreme Weather Preparedness Guide: What you need to know to prepare for extreme weather in British Columbia funded from the Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR).

– Working Together in an Emergency: Social Sector Activation Guide a guide for host communities welcoming evacuees and working alongside Emergency Support Services (ESS).

These resources were developed especially for those who may find it difficult to navigate the Internet. All books are available on United Way BC’s website.

Every year brings more devastating environmental disasters, and the outlook is clear: more flooding, drought, and wildfires across the province. Disaster season in BC is the predictable stretch when floods and wildfires accelerate. This is the eve of that season, a brief window for planning, resourcing, and rehearsing before response takes over.

Preparation doesn’t start when the sirens do. It starts now.

United Way British Columbia remains steadfast in supporting individuals and communities to not only respond to a climate crisis event but, just as importantly, recover and build resilience to better respond to these disasters. We are committed to the wellbeing of our communities and work alongside those affected through recovery to help create long-term sustainability.

To learn more about our work in this space, please watch our impact video of how we supported recovery and resilience in Kelowna after the devastating wildfires, or visit BC Wildfire Recovery Fund | United Way British Columbia.

Our emergency preparedness guides are another way we are supporting people affected by disasters all year round.

While sitting down and planning for an emergency is work nobody wants to do, it is now a necessary step for British Columbians, and we are confident these resources will help.

United Way British Columbia

Article Share