May 1, 2026 · 7 min read · Emergency Preparedness
When a wildfire evacuation order is issued: leave immediately, take your go-bag, close all windows and doors, travel perpendicular to the fire direction, and do not return until officials declare it safe. An evacuation alert means be ready to leave within minutes.
An evacuation alert means danger may threaten your area soon. You should pack essential items, fuel your vehicle, and be prepared to leave. An evacuation order means you are in immediate danger and must evacuate the area without delay.
Your go-bag should include critical documents, cash, medications, N95 masks to protect from smoke, a first aid kit, flashlights with extra batteries, at least three days' worth of water and non-perishable food, and supplies for your pets.
Always follow the directions provided by local emergency officials. If forced to decide, travel downhill or perpendicular to the wind and the fire's path. Avoid traveling into canyons or dense brush.
Wildfire smoke contains fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that can enter deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory issues, aggravating asthma, and stressing the heart. Wearing an N95 mask and staying indoors with air purifiers is critical.
While provincial emergency management organizations provide broad updates, using a dedicated safety app like Together Safe ensures you receive real-time, address-specific alerts and evacuation routing as the fire front moves.
Before leaving, shut off your gas supply, turn off air conditioning, and close all windows and doors to prevent embers from entering. Move combustible furniture away from windows. After an order is issued, emergency responders will restrict access to the area until it is deemed completely safe.
Wildfires can spread at speeds up to 22 km/h in forests and up to 35 km/h in grasslands, quickly outpacing anyone on foot and creating unpredictable paths driven by wind.
British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan historically experience the highest frequency and intensity of wildfires, though any forested region is at risk.
During an evacuation alert, you can stay home but must be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. If an evacuation order is issued, you must leave immediately.
You can use government wildfire mapping tools or neighborhood safety apps like Together Safe, which provide real-time updates and evacuation routing.
An evacuation alert means you should prepare to leave and have your belongings ready. An evacuation order is a mandatory directive to leave the area immediately due to imminent danger.
Together Safe provides real-time wildfire alerts and dynamic evacuation routing away from danger.
Join the Waitlist →