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Cariboo Evacuation

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Phone: 311
Fax: 250-561-7724

City of Prince George
1100 Patricia Blvd.
Prince George, British Columbia
V2L 3V9

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Prince George Welcoming Cariboo Fire Evacuees with Emergency Reception Centre

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Williams Lake mayor Walter Cobb presented the City of Prince George and its citizens with a token of appreciation for helping evacuees during the 2017 BC wildfires. Mayor Cobb joined local residents at a September appreciation concert and barbecue held in Prince George to thank the community for their relief efforts during the summer crisis. Download the Thank, You! PG PowerPoint slideshow.

Prince George Extends a Helping Hand to Wildfire Evacuees

Prince George opened its doors to residents of the Cariboo who were forced from their homes by regional wildfires during the summer of 2017. The City, its residents, and volunteers offered support by providing lodging, medical assistance, and other services and amenities to more than 10,000 evacuees. Although the crisis has passed and the evacuees have returned to their communities, this page retains much of the information provided during the emergency.

Status of evacuation orders and alerts, wildfire information, and air quality advisories

View current evacuation alerts and orders in the Cariboo Regional District.
View current air quality advisories.
View air quality information.
View current wildfires of note.
View the BC Wildfire Service interactive map for the status of all BC wildfires.
View interactive map for smoke forecasts.

Returning home after evacuation

Questions and answers for those choosing to stay in Prince George after an evacuation order has ended
The evacuation order has ended and I cannot return home due to health or safety issues. Am I still eligible for Emergency Social Services?
• People unable to return home for medical reasons are eligible to continue receiving Emergency Social Services until it is safe for them to go home. If you require an extension on services, check in at the emergency reception centre. 

I'm staying in Prince George for the time being, and I still have a referral form (voucher) for accommodation. What should I do with it?
• Please visit the emergency reception centre for referrals of renewals.
• For more information about the referral forms for evacuees, please call 250-617-7168.
Questions and answers for those returning home
I still have a referral form (voucher) for accommodation. What should I do with it?
• A referral form (or voucher) is issued to evacuees who need financial assistance for services such as lodging, food, and necessary supplies for the duration of their evacuation.
• As you are now permitted to return home to your community, these forms are no longer needed. Remember to check out of the facility where you have been staying.
• For more information about the referral forms for evacuees, please call 250-617-7168.
Resources for re-entering your home after a wildfire
How to prepare
  • Residents returning home are advised to bring a minimum of three days of food and essential supplies as their local stores may not yet have adequate stock.
  • Consider the unique needs of your family such as medications, pets and items you rely on daily.
  • Ensure your vehicle in fully fueled.
  • Emergency Social Services may be able to provide assistance for those who require support in preparing for their return. If you require support in returning home, call 1-800-863-6582.
  • Grab a clean-up kit from the Canadian Red Cross. The Canadian Red Cross is providing a clean-up kit for residents returning home. The Red Cross can be reached at 1-800-863-6582.

Local Community
Your community may choose to put other supports in place to support your return home. Check their website and monitor local media for details.
 
Take Care of Yourself & Your Family
Fear, stress and anxiety are natural reactions to a traumatic event. Eventually, these feelings will diminish and, for most people, completely subside. To help yourself and your loved ones:
• Accept and offer help and comfort; seek counselling if necessary
• Focus on positive memories and the skills you’ve used to get through other hard times
• Be aware of your child’s reactions: reassure them and encourage them to express themselves
• Give yourself and your family permission to grieve and time to heal
• Get physical activity, but rest as needed. Eat well,  keep hydrated, and keep a manageable schedule

Re-Entering Your Home
Your home and its surroundings may not look like they did before you left. As you arrive, it’s important to obey all signage and understand Damage Assessment Placards. Damage Assessment Placards are notices that the local government places on buildings within the damaged area. They tell you whether a structure is suitable for re-entry, if access is restricted or if it is unsafe to enter. Visit BC Housing for more information on placards.

If you can only enter your home once, remove your valuables and take steps to secure your property. 

If you’re safely able to return for longer:
• Bring supplies like a flashlight, tools, drinking water, gloves, garbage bags and a first aid kit.
• Walk around the perimeter of any structure before entering, note electrical wiring, any gas smell, or debris that could fall, and photograph damage.
• Enter with caution and check that the main power breaker is off.
• Only use generators outdoors; do not connect to a household circuit.
• Note sewage and water damage; your septic system or sump pump may not work without power and water may not be potable (that is, may not be safe to consume).
• Do not use your sewage disposal system unless you know it’s capable of handling waste.
• If using propane, gas, or heating oil, contact suppliers for inspection and service.

Take pictures, keep track of your expenses, and the time you spend cleaning up. Make sure you keep your receipts.

View more information on returning home after a wildfire
Information from the Government of BC
Information from the Cariboo Regional District

City of Prince George updates

August 04, 2017 4:00pm: The winding down of lodging at the Northern Sport Centre and the planned move of the Emergency Reception Centre from CNC. 

Previous Prince George updates
August 02, 2017 2:00pm: Continued lodging at the Northern Sport Centre and revised hours of operation for the Emergency Reception Centre
July 28, 2017 10:00am: Williams Lake residents can head home; Evacuees can pre-register to transport back home; Over 10,200 evacuees visit City pools
July 27, 2017 2:00pm: Williams Lake order lifted
July 26, 2017 11:00am: Evacuee tents and cots consolidated at NSC; Lheidli T’enneh 'Host First Nation' once again; Campground care; Town Hall tonight 
July 25, 2017 8:00am:Number of registered evacuees in Prince George passes 10,000; First buses depart Prince George for the Cariboo; Slave Lake donates
July 24, 2017 8:00am: Buses return evacuees to the South Cariboo; Town Hall tonight; and Weekend updates
July 23, 2017 7:30am: South Cariboo Evacuation Order lifted; Saturday town hall; Government officials visit; Voucher renewal; Evacuee numbers in Prince George continue to climb    
July 22, 2017 8:00am: Info sessions today; evacuee doctor helping fellow evacuees; Health Clinic details and additional services for evacuees; regarding donations
July 21, 2017 8:00am: Military overnight in Prince George, RV parking move, and updated numbers
July 20, 2017 7:25am: Fire evacuees update: A message from Mayor Hall, updated registrant numbers, free transit for all, sacred smudging for evacuees, and Canada Post advisory
July 19, 2017 7:30am: Grocery vouchers pass $1 Million, laundry services begin, town hall tonight, and fire ban continues in Prince George
July 18, 2017 7:15am: Information for evacuees renewing their services, insurance information for evacuees, and the latest numbers
July 17, 2017 7:44am: Prince George fire evacuees update: Next Town Hall, Fort Mac gives back, and animal evacuees
July 16, 2017 10:00am: Enhanced services in Prince George; Emergency Social Services Renewal information
July 15, 2017 8:00am: Prince George fire evacuees update: Townhall meeting again tonight and free shuttle and transit service for evacuees       
July 14, 2017 2:00pm: Prince George fire evacuees update: Over 1200 meals per day, 1400 registered volunteers, and 7000 registered wildfire evacuees
July 13, 2017 9:07am: City and Province of BC issue fire ban
July 13, 2017 6:37am: Prince George fire evacuees update: Volunteer PG Centre opens today and today's latest numbers
July 12, 2017 6:00pm: Prince George fire evacuees update: More beds being prepared for evacuees and registration update
July 12, 2017 6:30am: Prince George fire evacuees update: Latest numbers and special deals and offerings for evacuees
July 11, 2017 8:30am: Prince George evacuees update: The City of Prince George is now using a second facility to provide accommodation for evacuees
July 10, 2017 7:30am: Prince George prepares for more evacuees 
July 9, 2017 2:19pm: Prince George evacuees update: The latest numbers and how you can help
July 9, 2017 9:49am: Prince George evacuees update: City preparing for more evacuees 
July 8, 2017 4:33pm: Prince George welcoming evacuees

Town Halls

The City of Prince George hosted numerous Town Halls to provide information to evacuees on local services and the state of the Cariboo wildfires.

Learn more about and watch the Town Halls

Updates from Northern Health and Interior Health

 Health supports, smoky sky bulletins, and more

July 27, 2017: Update on Williams Lake health services
July 24, 2017: SMOKY SKIES BULLETIN ENDED FOR VALEMOUNT AND SURROUNDING AREA
July 11, 2017: SMOKY SKIES BULLETIN EXPANDED FOR Cariboo, Prince George and area, Bulkley Valley, and the Lakes District (eastern border only)

Keep up-to-date

  • Subscribe to receive the latest news and updates. 
    (note: check the 'media releases' category under the News Releases section)
  • Information about emergency operations in the Cariboo Regional District is available online at cariboord.bc.ca
  • Follow on Twitter:
    • @cityofpg
    • @DriveBC
    • @emergencyinfoBC 
    • @BCGovFireInfo
    • @BCGovNews
  • Like on Facebook:
    • @cityofpg
    • BC Wildfire Service - BC Forest fire info
    • BC Government 

Questions & Answers

How do I prepare for an evacuation?
How can I prepare to evacuate in an emergency?
• Create a trusted support network of at least 3 people to assist you during an emergency. Give them keys and add their contact information to a shared emergency plan.
The support network should be advised of any health conditions or medications, and shown how to operate specialized medical mobility equipment, such as lifts, wheelchairs, or scooters.
• Make arrangements for your support network to immediately check on you after a disaster.

What supplies should I have for an emergency?
Planning ahead and thinking about your personal needs in case of an emergency is important. Think about what you will need; make sure it is easily accessible, and as portable (easy to move) as possible.

Here's some basic items for an emergency and survival for 72 hours: 
• Water (for drinking)– 4 litres per person per day for at least 3 days
• Food – At least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food and a manual can opener for cans 
• First aid kit
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter, or solar charger 
• Local maps and some cash in small bills 
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air 
• Seasonal clothing and footwear 
• Garbage bags, moist towelettes, and plastic ties for personal sanitation 
• Special items such as prescription medications, items for dietary needs, equipment for people with disabilities, and other items required for health conditions you may have 
• Battery-powered or hand crank flashlight with extra batteries 
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries 
• Whistle, to signal for help 
• A copy of your emergency plan, with a contact list with important names and numbers of family members, friends, health care providers, and caregivers 

Additional supplies for an emergency: 
• A small bag with extra keys for your car and house 
• A change of clothing and footwear for each household member 
• A sleeping bag or warm (foil) blanket for each household member 
• Toilet paper and other personal care supplies 
• Safety gloves 
• Basic tools, such as hammer, pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, fasteners, and work gloves 
• Small fuel-driven stove and fuel; follow manufacturer’s directions and store it properly 

As part of your emergency plan, you may need some of the following items which can be put in a travel bag so they are ready to go: 
• Personal papers and photo identification 
• A medical history or summary of your health including any chronic conditions and recent surgery 
• List of your medications and copies of prescriptions 
• Extra medications and vitamin supplements 
• Prescription eyewear and footwear 
• Extra dentures and cleaner 
• Hearing aids and extra batteries 
• Mobility aids such as canes, walkers, and a raised toilet seat; consider whether you can take or use them during an emergency 
• Special equipment for breathing 
• Incontinence supplies
• Provide your family and friends with a contact list of friends, neighbours, agencies, health care providers, and caregivers. 

For More Information 
For more information on emergency preparedness, visit:
  • PreparedBC:
    www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC 
  • Canadian Red Cross:
    www.redcross.ca
How do I get help if I am evacuated?
REGISTRATION 
Location: Service Centre at City of Prince George City Hall (1100 Patricia Boulevard)
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm

Evacuees are requested to register at the emergency reception centre. All individuals affected by the evacuation orders are asked to register regardless of whether they require lodging. The emergency reception centre hours of operation are 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Registration is important for many reasons and includes:
  • being able to help with lodging requests,
  • providing food vouchers and accessing other resources,
  • knowing an accurate number of individuals being assisted, and
  • helping family with reunification.

Register with the Canadian Red Cross
Cariboo evacuees should register with the Canadian Red Cross to access resources and assistance, as well as to enable family and friends to know the whereabouts of loved ones. Evacuees can contact the Red Cross directly, through registering by phone at 1-800-863-6582 or online at http://www.redcross.ca/gethelp.

RENEWAL OF REFERRALS
When you registered at the emergency reception centre, you were given a yellow referral form used to access various services. 

These referrals are expiring but renewal is easy. See below for instructions based on the accommodation you have. The dates for extension of services is determined based on needs and the evacuation situation. 

For areas with smoky sky advisories still in place, evacuees who cannot return for medical reasons, are still eligible for renewals of referrals.

How and when to complete referral renewals:

  • RV/ camping
    • New referral forms are required to extend your lodging. Please come to the emergency reception centre.   
    • If you need to access additional food services, please come to the emergency reception centre to have new referral forms issued. Only one representative from each family is required to come for any referral renewals, ideally the person listed as the family representative on your registration form. 
  • Commercial lodging (hotel/ motel)
    • New referral forms are required to extend your lodging. Please come to the emergency reception centre.  
    • If you need to access additional food services, please come to the emergency reception centre to have new referral forms issued. Only one representative from each family is required to come for any referral renewals, ideally the person listed as the family representative on your registration form.  
  • Billeting
    • Billets are compensated through the ESS Program and evacuees can get the Billet Referral Form at the emergency reception centre. Once the billeting referral form has been submitted to Emergency Management BC in Victoria, the ESS Program will be automatically extending the application until the evacuation order has been removed*. No action is required.
    • If you need to access additional food services, please come to the emergency reception centre to have new referral forms issued. Only one representative from each family is required to come for referral renewals, ideally the person listed as the family representative on your registration form. Your billetor can change the date on the billeting referral form themselves.
  • Other accommodations (staying with friend and family)
    If you received food service support when you originally registered and require additional assistance, please come to the emergency reception centre to have new referral forms issued to access additional food services.

*Dates to be determined based on needs and evacuation situation.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET SERVICES:
Prince George Public Library
Location: 888 Canada Games Way
The Prince George Public Library provides up to two hours of computer and Internet usage with your library card. You don't need to live in Prince George to receive a library card. Just show one piece of ID with your home address. For those with their own mobile devices, unlimited wireless access is available to anyone visiting either branch of the Library. 

LAUNDRY SERVICES:

The City of Prince George is working with Spotless Eco-friendly Dry Cleaners and Laundromats to provide laundry services for evacuees. The new system provides these evacuees with a voucher that can be redeemable for one free wash and one free dry cycle per person per week – a family of four, for example, would receive four vouchers per week. Laundry bags are also being provided. Please visit the emergency reception centre for referrals and laundry services vouchers. 

Bring your voucher(s) with your laundry to one of three Spotless Eco-friendly Dry Cleaner and Laundromat locations:
  • 3105 15th Avenue (hours of operation 8:00am to 7:45pm)
  • 1699 Spruce Street (hours of operation 8:00am to 7:45pm)
  • 2030 5th Avenue (hours of operation 8:00am to 7:15pm)
When will I be able to go home? Is there any estimate on how long this fire will last?
• Areas affected by wildfires are dangerous to any residents even if they look clear. 
• Residents and evacuees are encouraged to wait until they receive the official notice they can safely return home.
View the BC Wildfire Service interactive map for the status of all BC wildfires.
View current evacuation alerts and orders in the Cariboo Regional District. 
The evacuation order for my area has been lifted. How do I prepare to go home?
How to prepare
  • Residents returning home are advised to bring a minimum of three days of food and essential supplies as their local stores may not yet have adequate stock.
  • Consider the unique needs of your family such as medications, pets and items you rely on daily. 
  • Ensure your vehicle in fully fueled. 
  • Emergency Social Services may be able to provide assistance for those who require support in preparing for their return. If you require support in returning home, call 1-800-863-6582. 
  • Grab a clean-up kit from the Canadian Red Cross. The Canadian Red Cross is providing a clean-up kit for residents returning home. The Red Cross can be reached at 1-800-863-6582

Local Community
Your community may choose to put other supports in place to support your return home. Check their website and monitor local media for details.
 
Take Care of Yourself & Your Family 
Fear, stress and anxiety are natural reactions to a traumatic event. Eventually, these feelings will diminish and, for most people, completely subside. To help yourself and your loved ones:
• Accept and offer help and comfort; seek counselling if necessary
• Focus on positive memories and the skills you’ve used to get through other hard times
• Be aware of your child’s reactions: reassure them and encourage them to express themselves
• Give yourself and your family permission to grieve and time to heal
• Get physical activity, but rest as needed. Eat well, keep hydrated, and keep a manageable schedule

Re-Entering Your Home
Your home and its surroundings may not look like they did before you left. As you arrive, it’s important to obey all signage and understand Damage Assessment Placards. Damage Assessment Placards are notices that the local government places on buildings within the damaged area. They tell you whether a structure is suitable for re-entry, if access is restricted or if it is unsafe to enter. Visit BC Housing for more information on placards.

If you can only enter your home once, remove your valuables and take steps to secure your property. 

If you’re safely able to return for longer:
• Bring supplies like a flashlight, tools, drinking water, gloves, garbage bags, and a first aid kit.
• Walk around the perimeter of any structure before entering; note electrical wiring, any gas smell, or debris that could fall, and photograph damage.
• Enter with caution and check that the main power breaker is off.
• Only use generators outdoors; do not connect to a household circuit.
• Note sewage and water damage; your septic system or sump pump may not work without power and water may not be potable (that is, may not be safe to consume).
• Do not use your sewage disposal system unless you know it’s capable of handling waste.
• If using propane, gas or heating oil, contact suppliers for inspection and service.

Take pictures, keep track of your expenses, and the time you spend cleaning up. Make sure you keep your receipts.

View more information on returning home after a wildfire
Information from the Government of BC
Information from the Cariboo Regional District
What if I have a loved one who has or needs to be relocated from health care facilities?
  • Family members can call the IH Patient Care Quality Office (PCQO) for information about relocations. The toll-free number is 1-877-442-2001.
  • Interior Health (IH) has established a call line for families whose loved ones have been relocated from health facilities, due to wildfire activity in the Cariboo and Thompson-Nicola regions.
What about my pets or livestock?

From pets to livestock, the evacuation effort is more than just about people.  

PETS

Evacuees can look into billeting options that can accommodate pets. Please view the City’s Facebook page for billeting options.

ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK

In Prince George, the Agriplex at the Exhibition Park is providing boarding space for animals and livestock. It provides facilities for a wide range of livestock, such as horses, goats, chickens, and pigs.

If you need to arrange livestock for pick-up, please contact Chelsea Wallach at 250-981-3499 to coordinate transport.

Billeting:
If you are looking for a billet to house or move animals affected by the wildfires, search for animal billeting resources in your area through this interactive map, provided by BC Animal Emergency Group. 

For billeted horses, the Horse Council of BC is requesting for horses to be registered through creating an online profile on the Horse Council of BC website. Horse Council BC is facilitating a central registry in order to help with this effort and has created a horse intake recording form to aid in monitoring horses displaced by the wildfires. The horse intake form is to be used by individuals who are not registered with an organized evacuation centre or regulated group and that are hauling or housing horses that have been displaced by the wildfires. Registration is required to receive direct financial aid or delivery of hay or supplies. If you have evacuated horses at your property and need hay or supplies, please contact the Horse Council of BC.

Travel permits:

• People can apply for travel permits for some purposes, and feeding livestock may be considered.
• The Cariboo Regional District will only issue these permits if it is deemed safe to travel (i.e. no fire threat or active fire suppression is underway). 
Contact the Cariboo Regional District: eocoperations@cariboord.ca 
How do I contact insurance for claims?

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES:
The Insurance Bureau of Canada offers information and resources for evacuees in regards to insurance. For further information, contact the IBC Customer Information Centre by calling 1-844-227-5422 or email askibcwest@ibc.ca.


To make a claim with ICBC, you can file online at icbc.com or call ICBC’s Dial-a-Claim at 1-800-910-4222, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Evacuees can also visit these insurance or brokerage offices in Prince George:

  • Western Financial Group (located at 790 Central St. E)
  • Hub International (located at 3055 Massey Drive)
  • BCAA (located at 2324 Ferry Avenue)

    They provide a number of services, including setting up new claims and issuing emergency evacuation cheques. 
     
FINANCIAL RELIEF:   
Most utility companies including BC Hydro, Fortis BC, Telus, and Shaw, as well as most mobile service providers, are providing credits or financial relief to customers who have been evacuated due to the wildfires.
How do we find info on air quality? How can I reduce the Health effects of smoky skies?
• For air quality conditions, visit www.bcairquality.ca
• Check the Air Quality Health Index for your region; log on to www.bcairquality.ca or call (250) 952-2039.
• Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour, and temperatures change. 
• Exposure to smoke or air particulates is a concern especially for infants, the elderly, and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease. 
• Anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms should contact a health care provider:
    • difficulty in breathing; 
    • chest pain or discomfort; 
    • sudden onset of a cough; or 
    • irritation of airways. 
Reduce the health effects of smoke in the air:
  • People with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke and should watch for any change in symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure. If any symptoms are noted, affected individuals should take steps to reduce their exposure to smoke and if necessary see their physician. People with symptoms should go to their health care provider, walk in clinic, or emergency department depending on severity of symptoms.
  • Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity – if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
  • Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
  • Smoke levels may be lower indoors; however, levels of smoke particles will still be increased. If you stay indoors, be aware of your symptoms.
  • Consider visiting a location like a shopping mall with cooler filtered air. Keep in mind that staying indoors may help you stay cool and provide some relief from the smoke. However, many air conditioning systems do not filter the air or improve indoor air quality.
  • Reduce indoor pollution sources such as smoking or burning other materials.
  • You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Conditions can vary dramatically by area and elevation.
  • Residents with asthma or other chronic illness should activate their asthma or personal care plan.
  • Pay attention to local air quality reports; air quality may be poor even though smoke may not be visible.
  • Commercially available HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters can further reduce poor indoor air quality near the device.
  • Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.
    Source: Interior Health

    More information
    For general information about smoke and your health, contact HealthLink BC available toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 8-1-1.
Where can I access health services in Prince George?

HEALTH SERVICES:

Community health clinics in Prince George with extended hours for evacuees:
Anyone displaced related to the fire situation is encouraged to seek health care attention from the following sites:

Nechako Medical Clinic (Extended hours)
Located in the Spruceland Shopping Mall - 761 Central Street
Hours: (subject to change) 
Monday – Friday 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 
Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Salveo Medical Clinic (Extended hours)
Located in the Real Canadian Superstore - 2155 Ferry Avenue
Hours: (subject to change) 
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 
Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

If you are feeling unwell, remember you can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia.

PHARMACY SERVICES:

Displaced residents who are running low or need help filling prescriptions can go to any community pharmacy in any town across British Columbia. Pharmacists can access a patient’s PharmaNet profile, dispense emergency refills or provide an emergency medication without a patient needing to visit a doctor’s office, a clinic, or hospital. 

Pharmacists from pharmacies across Prince George and the Cariboo region are on hand to provide new medications and over-the-counter medication and help answer questions from patients about filling prescriptions. Pharmacists will work with a patient’s insurance provider, as required, and PharmaNet to access a patient’s medication history. Individuals who need emergency supplies are advised to bring as much information as they can, such as a piece of identification, or an old bottle of medication or an inhaler to the site. However, pharmacists can help any evacuated patient, no matter what resources or information they provide.

To find the closest community pharmacy, individuals can use the “Find a Pharmacy” tool on the BC Pharmacy Association website at www.bcpharmacy.ca.
Where can I check the status of road closures?
• Visit DriveBC or phone 1-800-550-4997
My power is out. Who do I contact?
• Phone 1 800 BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376)
• BC Hydro appreciates its customers’ patience as restoration work continues and will continue to provide updated estimates for power restoration on bchydro.com/outages
 • To report a specific fallen down power line or pole: - 1 888 POWERON
What about my mail?
  • Forest fires and air quality are affecting mail and parcel delivery in certain communities in British Columbia. Canada Post has put contingency measures in place to serve the residents of British Columbia displaced by the fires. 
  • Canada Post has created service alerts for affected communities in British Columbia:
    • Red alerts - No mail or parcel delivery. All mail and parcels will be held securely. 
    • Yellow alerts - Every effort is being made to deliver mail and parcels; however, some customer may not receive delivery today. Mail and parcels that can't be delivered will be held securely. 
    • Green alerts - Mail delivery has been restored following a red or yellow alert. 
View up-to-date service alerts from Canada Post.

Urgent Items
Affected resident requiring urgent access to critical items, such as medications or passports, may call 1-800-267-1177. Residents looking for a secure destination to send items they purchase online may sign up for Canada Post’s free FlexDelivery service, which allows them to send online purchases to any post office in Canada.

Government-issued cheques
Residents of BC wildfire evacuated areas can pick up Government of Canada issued cheques at the nearest Canada Post location. Evacuated residents can have their cheque transferred from one pick-up location to another.

Visit one of the pick-up locations with your government-issued photo ID so they can process your request. Allow two business days for the cheque to arrive. Cheques that are not collected by evacuated residents will be delivered by Canada Post once mail service resumes in affected areas.

If you have additional questions related to your federal payments, please call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232 / TTY: 1-800-926-9105).

Free mail forwarding services for affected residents
To help reconnect displaced residents with the postal system as quickly as possible, Canada Post is asking evacuees to register for their free Mail Forwarding service. This ensures displaced residents continue to receive their mail and parcels, including vital information from government and relief agencies.

Once evacuees register for the free service, Canada Post will redirect your mail and parcels to a temporary address. This can be done on a short-term basis or for longer periods, even if the address is temporary. Affected British Columbia residents whose postal code starts with V0E, V0K, V0L, V0X, V2G and V2J are eligible for the free service. Learn how to register for the free Canada Post Mail Forwarding service.
HOW DO I ACCESS GENERAL SOCIAL SERVICES (INCOME ASSISTANCE/DISABILITY ASSISTANCE)?
Message from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction:
  • For evacuees on income and or disability assistance, who receive their cheques by mail, they can attend any Employment and Assistance Office to pick up their payment cheque.
  • Clients, who have been evacuated to Prince George, can pick up their payments cheques at:
    • Prince George Employment and Assistance Office
      1445 10th Avenue
      Prince George, BC V2L 2L2
      Fax: 1-866-455-0855
  • All clients are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit to their account. The monthly reporting forms (SD81) and direct deposit forms (HR 2648) are available at the CNC reception centre.
  • All clients on income assistance can submit their monthly request for assistance or monthly report (SD81) by mail, online through My Self Serve, or at any ministry or Service BC office.
  • All Ministry services are still available. Clients can contact the Ministry from anywhere in BC by calling  1-866-866-0800 or online at https://myselfserve.gov.bc.ca 
I live in Prince George. How can I help?
  • Those wishing to donate can support the BC Fires Appeal with the Canadian Red Cross.
  • Residents wishing to provide accommodation for a person or family can do so via social media, including by posting on the City’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/cityofpg.
  • Donate food and clothing to the Salvation Army. Donations of quality, clean clothing is being accepted at 3500 18th Ave, Salvation Army. Perishable and non-perishable food is accepted. Donations are appreciated.
  • Donate pet food & supplies to the Prince George Humane Society. Deliver directly to 1839 1st Avenue in Prince George. Hours are 11:00am to 5:00pm.
  • Apply to become a volunteer. Prospective volunteers can fill out a form on the City's website. 
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