Evacuees continue to stream out of Fort McMurray today, as wildfire conditions continue to worsen. People are being asked to head south to safety out of the city, or stay in evacuation centres in the south, as heat and winds continue to pick up.
You can donate to Redcross via their website or donate by texting “REDCROSS” to 30333. With a confirmation of “YES”, $5 will be added to your phone bill and donated to the Red Cross to help with the evacuees of Fort McMurray.
Facebook has also set up a check-in system to help find friends that may have been affected by the fire. People can offer up homes and beds to those displaced and people who need a place can apply to be matched at this website.
If a similar situation were to occur in the Cowichan Valley, CVRD Emergency Program Coordinator Sybille Sanderson says an emergency plan is in place – and evacuation routes will be determined to get people out of affected areas. Sanderson says people are becoming more aware now of the importance of being prepared.
Sanderson says there is wildfire risk in the Valley.
Sanderson says doing a little bit of work ahead of time – like preparing an emergency kit and bag, as well as discussing an evacuation plan with your family – will give you piece of mind in knowing that you are prepared for a disaster, big or small.
