Living through a Disaster - the Wildfires in British Columbia, Canada

A crack of thunder, followed by a lightning strike on a gorgeous summer day, suddenly changed our lives - and our perspective on life itself. A fire started and quickly spread across the area. It was not the first time that we have seen and smelled smoke so close to home, but this time is different.

An evacuation alert was issued as the wind fanned the flames and blew the fire in our direction. Some people left town as the air quality deteriorated, only to discover that they could not return as all roads around town were blocked. Things became serious. Police manned check points to keep people out of evacuated areas.

The emergency quickly escalated into a full scale disaster when supplies couldn't reach the town. At one stage only one gas station had gas left, and supermarkets ran out of some supplies. Stores began to close as staff evacuated. Even Walmart superstore closed its doors.

Some parts of town received evacuation orders, and everybody was advised to leave. An evacuation alert was issued for our part of town with the advice to pack our vehicles with whatever we thought to save. We had to prepare to be away from home for a while, so all our clothes, personal items, valuables, some food, extra gas, tools and equipment that we could fit into our vehicles, were packed. The decision to pack some things and leave others was rather emotional, but time was limited and one could not dwell on it for too long.

While most people were concerned with the imminent danger and the disruption of their lives, others saw it as an opportunity to take advantage of, and started looting evacuated properties. Fortunately the police are quick to deal with them.

Those who had campers, motor homes and such recreation vehicles found it easier to evacuate. Others are housed in evacuation centres where they share accommodations with others.

Lessons were learned!

• Disaster can strike anywhere, any time, and in any form. Be prepared at all times.
• Every disaster and every town is different, but being prepared is always helpful.
• Consider carefully before separating family members during an emergency.
• Always keep enough non-perishable food, gas, water, first-aid supplies, flash lights, warm clothing, blankets, camping equipment stored in tubs or boxes, ready to be packed.
• Keep some cash on hand.
• Keep important documents such as birth certificates, passports and id documents, etc., together in a briefcase or box that can be packed quickly. These are easily forgotten in an emergency.
• Beware of rumours that always abound in any emergency. Get your information from official sources only. Never make a decision based on what someone else said.
• Have a radio with fresh batteries on hand to follow announcements.
• Remember to take cell phone chargers with you when you evacuate.
• If you have to evacuate, make sure you take care of pets and livestock as well.
• In our case electricity was turned off in some areas. Those who depend on a well for water should have a generator filled with gas. When power is cut, fridges and deep freezes should not be opened unnecessarily as cold air will escape.
• In case of an evacuation, secure all windows and doors to discourage looters. To create the impression that people are home, some lamps, radios and TV's can be turned on and off by installing them on timers.
• Firearms and ammunition should be taken with you when you evacuate. You don't want them to end up in the hands of criminals.
• Beware of impersonators of police and town officials that come to your door with evacuation orders.

Our disaster in the Cariboo region of British Columbia is far from over. The fires continue to spread and we were told that it could last several more weeks. We have been living out of our car for a week now, and it is no fun.

Most of the things that we use on a daily basis are packed, so we find our days, holed up in our house with nowhere to go, boring. People who left their homes cannot return to check on things, take care of pets, gardens, get something from home, and they become testy with police that block the roads.

Living through a disaster is a major disruption of life. The appreciation of the simple things that we take for granted without even thinking, suddenly increase in value. Waking up in your own bed in the morning is one of those blessings. We are grateful for what we have. Things that we worked for over years, lose their value the moment you decide to sacrifice it to the fire. Your perspective on life, and what you esteemed before, changes with each passing day.

A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered. Proverbs 27:12