Wildfire preparedness social media package
Last updated on February 20, 2024Preparing for wildfires is an important step toward building resilient communities. To help, Prepared BC has created an easy-to-use social media package with pre-written content and a supporting graphic.
Post this content directly to your own social media channels or follow Prepared BC on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to share our posts.
Instructions for posting
- Copy-and-paste the content below in a new post
- Download, then attach the graphic below
- Option: add information, photos and hashtags specific to your community
- Double check the links and tagged accounts before you post
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Before a wildfire
The @PreparedBC Wildfire Preparedness Guide is a must-read for our community. Download it at preparedbc.ca/wildfires
Many wildfires are human-caused and therefore preventable. Be part of the solution by following fire bans and restrictions: http://ow.ly/NV6k30qBReI Report all wildfires to *5555 (on mobile phone) or 1-800-663-5555 #BCwildfire
Making your home and property #FireSmart can help decrease the intensity and slow the spread of a #BCwildfire. Get started with the @BCFireSmart home assessment: http://ow.ly/VmB030qDrsy
Know your trees! Some, like pines, are more flammable than others and shouldn’t be planted close to your home. Get more #FireSmart tips at firesmartbc.ca/
#BCwildfire
Have a preparedness conversation at home. Talk about how you’ll communicate with each other and where you’ll meet if you get separated. Get started: preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan #BCwildfire
When choosing an emergency meeting place, consider a virtual one too! Create a closed Facebook group for everyone in your home to check in during an emergency. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan #BCwildfire
Nearly half of all wildfires are human-caused. You can prevent them by always checking for bans and restrictions and camping responsibly. Learn how at http://ow.ly/2b8T30qHr9N #BCwildfire
If a wildfire threatens your home, you may need to leave quickly. Take time now to build grab-and-go bags for everyone you live with. Once you have the basics, consider additional needs and customize each bag. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/grab-and-go #BCwildfire
As the weather warms up, so does #BCwildfire season. Get ready by making grab-and-go bags for each member of your household. Be sure to pack everything you’ll need if you need to evacuate. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
Don’t forget your pets when preparing for a potential wildfire. Add their name, breed, vaccination history and a photo to your emergency plan. Check out the Prepared BC pet guide for more: Preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan#pets
#DYK? Home insurance policies in B.C. cover fire damage and losses. As part of your #BCwildfire prep, call your insurance representative to discuss your coverage or contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422 or visit ibc.ca/bc.
Under #BCwildfire evacuation alert? Now is the time to unplug all non-essential electrical appliances. @techsafetyBC has more safety tips at http://ow.ly/NUZh30qHrqZ
Here’s what @techsafetyBC wants you to know about gas and electrical equipment safety during a wildfire: http://ow.ly/uhBT30qFIKm #BCwildfire
During a wildfire
If you are facing a #BCwildfire, get the latest provincial updates from @EmergencyInfoBC & @BCGovFireInfo. For local information follow
TIP: Link to the places where you post the latest news and updates. Include your website and social media accounts if you have them.
Know the difference between an Evacuation Alert and Order if there’s risk of a #BCwildfire in your area. There are specific steps for each. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
An Evacuation Alert means you must be ready to leave on short notice. Ensure everyone you live with have a grab-and-go bag packed. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires #BCwildfire
If you are under an Evacuation Alert, due to a #BCwildfire be ready to leave on short notice. Remember to park your vehicle forward-facing in case you must leave the area quickly. Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
Wildfire smoke is harmful to everyone - more so to vulnerable populations. Reduce exposure with these tips: http://ow.ly/vtLQ30smyrw #BCwildfire
A #BCwildfire can be frightening, especially for children. Help reduce stress with these mental health tips and supports: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
For your own safety, do not stay behind if an #Evacuation Order is issued.
Evacuation routes can change or become impassable due to wildfire behaviour. Changing visibility and weather conditions can also cause confusion and pose risks. preparedbc.ca/wildfires #BCwildfire
Most people in B.C. have never experienced an active wildfire or Evacuation Order. It can be disorienting.
Make it less stressful by creating an emergency plan, making grab-and-go bags, and talking with your family, friends, and neighbours.
Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires #BCwildfire
If you receive an #Evacuation Order due to an #BCwildfire, keep yourself and your neighbours safe by following it.
Choosing to remain in an area under Evacuation Order puts yourself, your family, and first responders in danger. It’s not worth the risk. http://ow.ly/mz6x30rNEub
Stay up to date on the current wildfire situation with the BC Wildfire Service App.
Download from here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status
After a wildfire
You must wait until an Evacuation Order has been rescinded before you can return home after a #BCwildfire. Stay tuned in case of further Evacuation Alerts or Orders. Preparedbc.ca/wildfires
Returning home after a wildfire can be difficult. The @PreparedBC Wildfire Preparedness Guide can help you manage and keep track of important tasks ahead. Learn more: Preparedbc.ca/wildfires #BCWildfire
If your home has been damaged by #BCwildfire, take pictures of the damage and inventory damaged items. Contact your insurance provider for details on the claims process. Details: http://ow.ly/UTDx30qDt8z
Learn how to safely return home after a #BCwildfire by reading 'Recovering After a Wildfire’ from @PreparedBC: http://ow.ly/KGpH30qC6GT
Returning home after #BCwildfire? Read these 5 gas and electrical safety tips from @techsafetyBC before entering your home: https://ow.ly/975l50PLHN5
Facebook or Instagram
Before a wildfire
The Prepared BC Wildfire Preparedness Guide is a must-read. Download it at preparedbc.ca/wildfires and start getting prepared today.
Many wildfires are human-caused and therefore preventable.
Be part of the solution by following all fire bans and restrictions: http://ow.ly/PSKe30smytQ
Preventing wildfires is everyone’s responsibility. Report wildfires to *5555 or 1-800-663-5555.
You can also download and use the BC Wildfire Service app to report wildfires and irresponsible behaviour that could start a wildfire.
App for Android users: https://ow.ly/5wTz50OOnka
App for Apple users: https://ow.ly/C2Hh50OOnkb
Making your home and property FireSmart can help decrease the intensity and slow the spread of a wildfire. Taking basic steps today can significantly reduce the risk to your home and property.
Get started with the FireSmartBC home assessment: http://ow.ly/mStp30qHrGm
Know your trees! Some, like pines, are more flammable and shouldn’t be planted close to your home.
If you do plant pines on your property, consider interspersing them with deciduous trees, such as birch and aspen which are less flammable.
Learn more from FireSmartBC about how landscaping choices can help make your property FireSmart: http://ow.ly/sEO530qHrFl
Preparing for a potential wildfire? Start by having a conversation at home. Talk about how you’ll communicate with each other and where you’ll meet if you can't return home during an emergency.
Get started at: preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan
When choosing an emergency meeting place consider a virtual one too! Create a closed Facebook group for everyone you live with to check in during an emergency.
Don’t forget to add your emergency contacts to your phone, and make sure everyone includes an out-of-province contact. Learn more at preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan
Nearly half of all wildfires in B.C. are human-caused and therefore preventable. You can prevent them by following a few simple rules:
✔️ Check for bans and restrictions
✔️ Campfires can’t be larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide
✔️ Keep a shovel or 8L of water nearby to extinguish your fire
✔️ Create a fuel break around your fire
✔️ Never leave a campfire unattended!
✔️ Ensure your campfire is completely out and the ashes cool to touch before you leave
Call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on your cell if you spot smoke, flames or an unattended campfire. For safe camping guidelines in-park and backcountry, visit @YourBCParks: http://ow.ly/n0BK30qHrW3
If a wildfire threatens your home, you may need to leave quickly. Take time now to build grab-and-go bags for everyone you live with. This list will get you started:
✔️ Food and water
✔️ Phone charger and battery bank
✔️ Small battery-powered or hand-crank radio
✔️ Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
✔️ Small first-aid kit and personal medications
✔️ Personal toiletries and items, such as an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
✔️ Copy of your emergency plan, copies of important documents, such as insurance papers
✔️ Seasonal clothing and an emergency blanket
Get the full recommended list at preparedbc.ca/grab-and-go. Once you’ve got the basics, customize each person’s bag to meet their needs, such as medications and comfort items.
As wildfire season in B.C. gets closer, get prepared by making grab-and-go bags for everyone you live with. Be sure to pack everything you'll need if you have to evacuate and be sure to store them in an accessible location so they can be grabbed quickly.
Learn more about preparing for wildfires at preparedbc.ca/wildfires
Don’t forget your pets when preparing for a potential wildfire. Add their name, breed, vaccination history and photo to your emergency plan. Make sure your furry family members have a grab-and-go bag too! If you have to evacuate, they’ll need:
✔️ Food, water and treats
✔️ Leash, harness and carrier
✔️ Medications
✔️ Comfort items, like a special toy
Read the Prepared BC pet guide to learn more: Preparedbc.ca/emergencyplan#pets
Do you know what your home insurance covers in case of wildfire? As part of your wildfire preparedness, call your insurance representative to discuss your coverage.
Want to learn more about fire insurance in Canada? Contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422 or visit ibc.ca/bc.
Learn more about preparing for wildfires at preparedbc.ca/wildfires
During a wildfire
Trusted sources of information are vital to staying safe during a wildfire. Get the latest local and regional updates here:
TIP: Link to the places where you post the latest news and updates. Include your website and social media accounts if you have them.
Also follow:
✔️ @EmergencyInfoBC on X for provincial public safety information
✔️ @BCWildfireService for regular wildfire activity updates
Know the difference between an Evacuation Alert and Order if there’s risk of a #BCwildfire in your area.
Evacuation Alert: Be prepared to leave on short notice. Get your grab-and-go bags ready.
Evacuation Order: You are at risk. Leave the area immediately.
Learn more at: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
An Evacuation Alert means you must be ready to leave on short notice. Ensure everyone you live with has a grab-and-go bag packed. Things to include:
✔️ Food and water
✔️ Toiletry items and personal medications
✔️ Phone charger and battery bank
✔️ A copy of your emergency plan and contacts, and important documents, such as insurance papers
✔️ Seasonal clothing
Get the complete list at: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
If you are under an Evacuation Alert:
- Have grab-and-go bags packed for everyone you live with, including pets
- Park your vehicle forward-facing so you can drive away quickly
- Move all fuel sources at least 10 metres from your home. This includes things like firewood, furniture and propane tanks
Learn more at: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
Wildfire smoke is harmful to everyone, even more so to vulnerable populations. Here are a few tips to keep yourself safe, cool, and healthy during smoky conditions:
✔️ Stay indoors and keep the air clean (windows/doors closed, no smoking, no burning fireplaces/candles/incense, no vacuuming)
✔️ When in a vehicle, keep windows closed with air conditioning set to recirculate
✔️ Reduce time spent outdoors and avoid vigorous outdoor activities
✔️ Visit places with a controlled air supply, such as shopping malls, swimming pools, or public libraries
✔️ Consult the air quality health index (AQHI) and learn how to use the AQHI to check air quality conditions in your community: https://ow.ly/VAkX50PBGB3
For more detailed recommendations check out ‘Wildfire Smoke and Your Health’ at preparedbc.ca/wildfires
Wildfire season can be stressful, especially for people who have been impacted before. Take good care of your mental and physical health by following a few guidelines.
✔️ Limit your exposure to wildfire media coverage; viewing traumatic images can be overwhelming and make it harder to think clearly
✔️ Maintain a daily routine as much as possible
✔️ Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods and stay hydrated
✔️ Be kind and patient with yourself and others
✔️ Seek support when you need it. If you’re feeling sad, mad or confused—or even feeling nothing at all—reach out to others for help
Call KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line at 1 800 588-8717 or BC’s Mental Health Support Line at 310-6789 (no area code needed).
Learn more: http://ow.ly/F1F930smytW
If you receive an Evacuation Order, keep yourself and your neighbours safe by following it.
Choosing to remain in an area under Evacuation Order puts yourself, your family, and first responders in danger. It’s not worth the risk.
Learn more: http://ow.ly/mz6x30rNEub
Most people in B.C. have never experienced an active wildfire or Evacuation Order. These situations can be disorienting and confusing.
Make it less stressful by creating a home emergency plan, making grab-and-go bags, and talking to your family, friends, and neighbours.
Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
For your own safety, do not stay behind if an Evacuation Order is issued.
Evacuation routes can change or become impassable due to a wildfire’s behaviour. Changing visibility and weather conditions can also create confusion and pose additional risks.
Learn more: http://ow.ly/mz6x30rNEub
Stay up to date on the current wildfire situation with the BC Wildfire Service app. Download the app so you can:
• see a map of active wildfires
• view Evacuation Orders and Alerts
• report a wildfire
• find campfire bans
More information: https://ow.ly/3EhT50PLQIx
After a wildfire
Once officials determine a wildfire threat has passed, Evacuation Orders may be rescinded. Do not attempt to return home until the Evacuation Order for your area is lifted. Continue to stay tuned for other possible Evacuation Alerts or Orders.
Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
Returning home after a wildfire is difficult, and there are many important things to do. Safety should be your top priority.
The Prepared BC Wildfire Preparedness Guide can help you prepare for and keep track of the important tasks ahead. http://ow.ly/KGpH30qC6GT
If your home has been damaged by wildfire, it’s important to document as much of the damage as possible before beginning to clean. Wherever possible, try to:
✔️ Assemble proofs-of-purchase, receipts and warranties for damaged items
✔️ Keep all of your receipts for clean-up, expenses during evacuation, and other items
✔️ Take photos and keep damaged items if they're not a safety risk
Learn more: http://ow.ly/UTDx30qDt8z
It can be hard to know where to start after a wildfire. Before you return home, read Prepared BC's Wildfire Preparedness Guide. It will help prepare you for:
✔️ Safely re-enter your home
✔️ Clean and repair your home
✔️ Claim insurance
✔️ Take care of yourself both mentally and physically
Learn more: preparedbc.ca/wildfires
When returning home after a wildfire, if you smell rotten eggs, leave the area immediately and call your gas utility, propane supplier or 911. For more gas and electrical safety tips, visit the Technical Safety BC website at http://ow.ly/GpsP30qHu4X
Returning home after a wildfire? Follow these 5 gas and electrical safety tips from Technical Safety BC.
- Wait for instructions to enter your home
- Know the re-connection requirements
- Be appliance aware
- Use a licensed contractor
- If in doubt, get out
Details on these tips and more here: https://ow.ly/975l50PLHN5