Prepare Your Congregation for Emergencies

In a short period of time, the province of BC has been impacted by wildfires, flooding, snowstorms, and the destruction of homes, businesses, and key infrastructure as well as the loss of human life.

The toolkit and resources shared here are designed to resource parishes, neighbourhood, and households throughout the Diocese to prepare for an emergency and to have a plan in place to be practical and spiritual resources for their surrounding community when disaster strikes.

Parish Toolkit

Emergency situations are potential realities for all communities. Taking the time to plan how to respond to different types of emergencies, as well as the day-to-day needs of faith communities during such events, is essential.

In times of crisis, communities of faith are often places people turn to for support. Yet, depending on the nature of the emergency, the way a congregation normally functions may be severely affected.

Emergency planning is key to not only ensuring the physical health and safety of church staff, volunteers and congregants; it is also key to ensuring that spiritual care, pastoral support, community outreach and worship can continue in ways that are appropriate for the presenting needs and circumstances. 

Household Emergency Plan

Click Here to Download the Parish Toolkit
Resources for BC Residents & Evacuees

British Columbia Residents/Evacuees- Essential Emergency Contacts & Status Hubs

      • EmergencyInfoBC: Official updates on evacuation alerts, orders, and reception center locations. Visit emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca 

      • Call for Immediate Support: For direct help navigating registration or locating available accomodation, contact the BC Evacuee Helpline at 1-800-387-4258.

      • Central Okanagan Emergency Management: Updates & Evacuee Support

      • BC Wildfire Service: Track active fires and danger levels via the free BC Wildfire Service App. Call 1-888-336-7378 for fire info or 1-800-663-5555 / *5555 to report fires.

      • 211 BC: Dial or text 2-1-1 for general navigation to community, social, and government emergency services.

Housing & Financial Support

      • Emergency Support Services (ESS): Provides temporary basic support (accommodation, food, and clothing). Self-register using the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool at ess.gov.bc.ca.

      • BC Evacuee Helpline: Call 1-800-387-4258 for help with your ERA registration or Service BC authentication.

      • Insurance Assistance: If insured, contact your home or tenant insurance provider immediately to activate Loss of Use / Living Expense coverage.

      • Royal LePage Place West Kelowna- Group Lodging

Health, Medical, & Mental Wellbeing

      • First Nations Health Authority (FNHA): Dedicated support for Indigenous evacuees. Call 1-855-550-5454 for help accessing displaced medications, health equipment, or virtual doctor visits.

      • Pharmacy Prescription Refills: BC pharmacists can issue emergency refills if you left your medications behind.

      • Air Quality Map https://firesmoke.ca/

      • Crisis Lines & Mental Health:

        • KUU-US Crisis Line (Indigenous-focused 24/7): 1-800-588-8717

        • IRSSS Crisis Line: 1-800-721-0066

        • 310 Mental Health Support: Call 310-6789 (no area code required) for 24/7 emotional support across BC.

Pet & Livestock Relief

    • BC SPCA Emergency Helpline: Call 1-855-622-7722 for emergency pet boarding, foster matching, or to request help for animals left behind in evacuated zones.

    • Agricultural & Livestock Support: Contact your local Regional District emergency operations center for assistance with livestock relocation (250-490-4225)

Other Local Support & Resources:

City of Penticton
Evacuee information & resources

Website to Request Help or Offer Help for Evacuees
https://helpsummerland.ca/

Penticton Sikh Temple
Hot food and essential supplies are ready to go for anyone affected by the wildfires. Please feel free to come by and pick up what you need. If you are unable to travel, free delivery is available—just let us know where you are. Call or Text: Harjinder: 604-751-1898; Rajinder: 250-487-0663
3290 South Main Street, Penticton

Naramata Centre
Offering accomodations to evacuees- learn more here

Food Banks
Food support for wildfire evacuees is available at The Central Okanagan Food Bank. West Kelowna branch is located at #203-3710 Hoskins Road. Kelowna branch is located at 2310 Enterprise Way.

Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen
Offering baby/personal hygiene/pet supplies for evacuees & other resources: cfso.net


 

Downloads