Evacuation alert and support from your union

With many residents in the BC Interior now under evacuation alert due to rapidly growing wildfires, we want all our members in the affected areas to know your union is here to support you as much as we can during this challenging period. 

Should an evacuation order occur, please take the necessary steps to keep you and your loved ones safe. If you have any concerns about how that will affect your work, you can contact your job steward once you have reached a safe place. We will be in communication with your employer during these situations and will update you accordingly. 

The wildfires are also contributing to poor air quality in many parts of British Columbia. We urge you to be vigilant in protecting yourself from the harmful effects as well as being proactive in reporting to the appropriate party if you are suffering from ill-effects. 

Where to find Emergency Information on evacuations 

You can find information on partial and full-scale provincial emergencies, including evacuation alterts, by visiting Emergency Info BC. You can also follow their Twitter feed at @EmergencyInfoBC. 

What to do if you feel ill? 

If you feel ill while you are on the job, make sure to report it your employer and your Occupational Health & Safety Committee. 

If you need to leave work because you feel ill, you can also consider submitting a report to WorkSafeBC. 

Safety tips during poor air quality 

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, try to limit your exposure to poor air quality by avoiding outdoor exercise, especially in high-traffic areas, keeping windows and doors closed, and running air conditioners with the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean. 

People with heart or lung disease, asthma, older adults, and children are more likely to be affected by smoke, so it is especially important for them to stay vigilant.  

Questions or concerns 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact a job steward in your area.  

 In solidarity, 

Lori Mayhew, President
Graeme Hutchison, Secretary-Treasurer
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President, Combined Units
Annette Toth, Vice-President, ICBC