The Regional District of Central Kootenay is opening three resiliency centres to support residents returning home after an evacuation order.
Dan Elliot, Emergency Operations Centre Director, said it’s standard practice for local governments to open resiliency centres after an evacuation order has been rescinded.
“After any extended event or evacuation that’s happened as a result of wildfires or other hazards, what often happens is as people get home, they still have some unmet needs, and resiliency centres are meant to start addressing those needs.”
The centres will connect residents with essential information and resources, and with organizations that can help fill any gaps after being evacuated for a period of time.
When an evacuation order is rescinded, Elliot explained the Emergency Support Services reception centres also close, but oftentimes residents still need assistance and information when they return home.
“Emergency Support Services, or ESS, end when evacuation orders end. So, a resiliency centre is a way to make sure that nobody just falls through the cracks after they get home. It’s that mechanism to ensure they continue to get support after an evacuation order is lifted.”
The RDCK will have two Disaster Psychosocial Services members on-site to offer psychological first aid and to help residents navigate the emotional impact of the wildfires.
“People don’t always know that they need a resiliency centre, but it’s important for people to have a place in their community that they can turn to when they have questions, are looking for resources, or are seeking support,” said Elliot.
“Sometimes those supports go beyond material things. It can sometimes be about psychological or psychosocial support. The emotional side of having been pulled out of your community and away from your neighbours, friends, and family can leave a lasting emotional impact.”
The Silverton Resiliency Centre opened on Tuesday and is located at the Silverton Memorial Hall at 203 Lake Ave. It will be open until August 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In Argenta, the resiliency centre will be located at the Argenta Community Hall at 1024 Argenta Rd. It is scheduled to open on August 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on August 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A third centre will eventually open in Slocan, with the location and dates yet to be determined.
Elliot added that as people begin to return to their homes, they should be mindful of potential hazards on their properties.
The RDCK has prepared a re-entry document that’s available online with the purpose of making sure people are aware of the hazards they may encounter when they return home, depending on how close their property was to the fires.
“It could be dangerous. There could be hazardous trees, and there can also be ash wells where a tree has burned, creating a pit of ash. That ash can remain hot for quite a while, which can be very dangerous. So, that re-entry document is a way for residents to ensure they’re aware of the potential hazards as they return home.”
Where to find information
The BC Wildfire Service is the primary source of information for all wildfire activity.
Regional District Central Kootenay (RDCK) is the primary source of information for evacuation orders and evacuation alerts.
Drive BC for all information on roads and road closures.
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