Photos showing wildfires forcing more than 100,000 people from their homes in British Columbia have highlighted the region’s vulnerability and need for urgent help. But what might one do in the wake of a devastating fire?
The B.C. government’s Department of Emergency Management has reminded Canadians that B.C.’s Disaster Recovery Program can assist those affected by fires. The Disaster Recovery Program offers expenses up to $200,000 for emergency shelter for temporary housing, plus $500 per person for clothing, transportation, essentials, and replacement of documents. The disaster relief help extends to clean-up costs, including hardware and labor to complete home repairs, and emergency food. In time, an insurance payout will help residents rebuild their lives.
But, often, events like this are reminders that addressing disaster risk is difficult and time-consuming. To make sure Canadians are aware of the steps they can take to prepare for fires, the World Wildlife Fund and World Wildlife Fund-Canada partnered with The Globe and Mail to launch How Can I Save the Forest?
The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about Canada’s booming wildfires and promote what conservationists, urban planners, homeowners, students, educators, and business leaders can do to help protect forests and climate.
By sharing these stories of neighborhoods and communities left homeless by wildfires, the campaign aims to remind Canadians that wildfire risk is a growing and interconnected issue. It also highlights the many benefits that forests provide – forests help to cool down communities, clean the air, and manage water. To learn more about how you can help protect Canada’s forests, visit www.howcanidoatetheforest.ca.