More than half of B.C. residents not prepared for wildfires: Survey
An Angus Reid poll for B.C. Hydro suggests 61 per cent of B.C. residents have not created an emergency plan for their household.
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More than half of B.C. residents don’t have an emergency plan in case of wildfire, according to a new survey.
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The survey, conducted by Angus Reid for B.C. Hydro, found 61 per cent of B.C. adults polled admitted they haven’t created an emergency plan for their household, and 56 per cent don’t have an emergency kit.
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In a statement Friday, B.C. Hydro said a lack of planning is likely why nearly one‑third say they don’t feel prepared to be without power during a wildfire lasting a full day or more.
“We know wildfire season can be an uncertain and stressful time for many people, and B.C. Hydro is preparing by strengthening our systems and working closely with emergency partners,” said Susie Rieder, a spokeswoman for B.C. Hydro. “Taking small steps now like putting together an emergency kit and making a plan for your family can help you feel more prepared if wildfire‑related power outages affect your community.”
The survey also suggests a lack of awareness when it comes to wildfire risk, with 42 per cent of respondents saying they don’t know, or are unsure, whether their area faces elevated wildfire risk.
This rises to 48 per cent in the Lower Mainland, the survey suggests.
Other findings include that 43 per cent say they haven’t taken any steps on their property to reduce wildfire risk.
With an El Niño expected to bring hotter and drier conditions this year, B.C. Hydro is encouraging customers to take steps now to prepare for a potentially longer and more challenging wildfire season.
The Angus Reid survey of 801 B.C. adults was conducted from March 20 to March 25. It carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
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Tips from B.C. Hydro:
• Create an emergency kit: Assemble a grab-and-go kit with essential supplies and store it in an accessible, safe location.
• Regularly check that all items are well-stocked and functional. Prepared B.C. offers tips on the recommended contents.
• Develop an emergency plan: Share your plan with family members, ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Power down if time allows: Unplug non-essential electrical appliances or locate and label the main electrical switch in your home ahead of time to safely turn it off if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Keep emergency contacts handy: Create a list of critical contact numbers, including fire, police, ambulance services, and B.C. Hydro at 1-800-224-9376.
•Be FireSmart at home: Clearing gutters, moving flammable materials away from your home and planting wildfire‑resistant vegetation are simple actions that can help protect your home.
