Wildfire emergencies affect a number of areas in Canada and authorities indicate that these incidences are happening earlier in the year that they ever have before. Wildfires create highly dangerous situations for local residents, are unpredictable, can move quickly and can cause a great deal of damage to property and the environment. Stay safe with wildfire emergency solutions.
Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and consider automatic sprinkler systems, fire hoses and fire-resistant doors and walls.
Develop and test an emergency plan with your employees, including evacuation procedures.
Avoid open burning, especially close to structures or any flammable materials, including trees, brush, trash, or during the dry season.
Make sure you have copies of all important documents and photographs of all critical assets stored safely offsite in fire-resistant containers.
Seal walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
TIPS TO RESPOND AND RECOVER
Do not lock your facility. Firefighters may need to gain quick entry to fight the fire.
If you are trapped inside, stay away from outside walls.
If you are outside and cannot escape the area, find a depression with sparse fuel or a road, and lie face down. Cover yourself with anything that will shield you from the fire’s heat.
If you or someone with you is burned, call 911; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection.
Routinely check for smoke and sparks that may ignite for several hours after the fire.
If you have a safe or strong box, do not open it. These can hold intense heat for several hours, and if opened before the box has cooled, the contents could burst into flames.
Do not return to your facility until local authorities report that it is safe to do so.
When you do return, wear protective clothing and check with local officials about air quality before entering the area.
