Emergency Response

What does it mean when my property is under an evacuation alert/order?

In the event an evacuation alert is issued for your property:
- Prepare to leave your home on short notice.
- Stay tuned to the City of Prince George's public information channels (including social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, as well as Emergency Info BC for updates: http://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
- Have your emergency kit and important documents ready to go, which should include things like insurance and personal papers, such as birth certificates. You should also pack:
  Several days’ clothing.
  Medicine/prescriptions.
  For your children, comfort items, like a favourite toy or colouring books to help keep them busy.
  For your pets, leashes, carriers and pet food.
- Consider collecting precious photos and mementoes that cannot be replaced.
As well, please check in on any family, friends or neighbours who may need a helping hand due to mobility or other issues.
In the event of an evacuation order, you MUST leave the area immediately. Local authorities will not ask you to leave without good reason and failing to leave when asked to by officials puts yourself and others at risk. Follow the instruction provided in the evacuation order, including where to go and what routes to take.
- Individuals with vehicles should drive to the Emergency Reception Centre at Exhibition Park, unless directed to a different location by an evacuation alert or order.
- Individuals who do not have vehicles but are able to walk to an Evacuation Assembly Point should proceed to the nearest designated Evacuation Assembly Point.
- Individuals who have mobility issues will be picked up via door-to-door knocking during an emergency evacuation.
- More information on what to do during an evacuation order can be found here.
Receiving an Evacuation Order can be an emotional experience. You may be reluctant to leave your home and community.
However, choosing to remain in an area that is under an Evacuation Order puts yourself, your family, and first responders in danger:
- Evacuation routes can change or become impassible
- Services, utilities and businesses that you rely on daily may be shut down
- Help may not be able to reach an evacuated area because of a risk to their own safety or access is blocked
In other jurisdictions, fatalities have occurred when people chose to remain behind or waited too long to leave.
For example, according to a report from Australia’s Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre, 31% of the 552 wildfire-related fatalities in that country from 1956 to 2008 were the result of people evacuating too late after an evacuation order was issued. Another 26% of the deaths were related to people attempting to defend properties against an advancing wildfire.

Flood and wildfire preparation

Being close to nature brings ready access to many natural amenities, but it also means being wary of when nature suddenly becomes a threat to health and home. Familiarize yourself with what's needed to keep you, your family, and your home safe in the event of flooding or wildfires.

The Fraser and Nechako rivers flow through Prince George, which puts us at risk of flooding. Properties close to the riverbank are particularly vulnerable. Winter ice jams can restrict water flow, resulting in localized flooding. Spring rains and snowmelt run-off can also result in surging water known as "freshet".
Pre-emptive actions you can take at home to prevent flooding include:
- Ensuring gutters are cleaned.
- Keeping storm drains clear of ice, snow, leaves, garbage, and other debris.
- Cleaning foundation drains.
- Monitoring roof drains and splash pads.
- Ensuring downspouts are draining away from the house.
- Completing simple landscaping to manage run-off.
Since floodwaters can rise quickly, make sure you have an emergency supply kit prepared and stored in an accessible location.
- Learn more about how to plan for an emergency
Resources
Prince George is surrounded by forest and is vulnerable to wildfire risks both within and outside of city limits.
If Prince George is threatened by a neighbouring wildfire, the City will post running updates on a separate webpage to provide current information on evacuation procedures and related resources.
Like floodwaters, wildfires can advance very quickly. Make sure you have an emergency supply kit prepared and stored in an accessible location.
- Learn more about how to plan for an emergency
Resources

Community Emergency Assembly Points

Eighteen local schools have been designated as Community Evacuation Assembly Points. Community Evacuation Assembly Points are meant to be gathering points for residents that do not have vehicles, but are able to walk to a designated Evacuation Assembly Point. If you have a vehicle, proceed to the Emergency Reception Centre unless directed elsewhere by the Emergency Alert or Order.