Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

The province of BC requires all local governments, like Regional Districts, to be prepared to respond to emergencies.

We plan and prepare to make sure an emergency response within any of our electoral areas has the best possible outcome. To provide this service we work in cooperation with:

• Emergency Management BC (EMBC)
• Member municipalities
• First Nations communities
• Local authorities
• First responders
• Support organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross and the Salvation Army
• Surrounding Regional Districts

The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine is responsible for emergency planning in our rural areas (Areas A, B, C, D, E, and F). The larger municipalities in the RDKS, like the City of Terrace and the District of Kitimat, are primarily responsible for their own emergency planning. 

However, local governments work together and with the other groups listed above, depending on the circumstances, to make sure that our top priority is met - the safety of our residents.

If there is an emergency in the RDKS, like a wildfire or flood, our Emergency Services staff will be in contact with provincial departments and any other involved groups. They then evaluate what kind of response is needed.

The RDKS will post information about any emergencies on the RDKS website and share that to social media as well.

If you live in an electoral area in the RDKS, any instructions about what you need to do during an emergency will come from the RDKS. 

The main source of information during an emergency event in the RDKS is always the RDKS website. 

We share that information on social media (Facebook & Instagram) as well, but the website is the main source of information.

We will also share that information via Voyent Alert!, the RDKS alert system. It's easy to sign up, and the system sends alerts directly to your phone via text or SMS, or by email or phone call. Learn more about Voyent Alert! 

The RDKS works with provincial agencies, first responders, and other groups to determine the threat level during an emergency. There are 3 types of notices we could issue:

Hazard Notices

Hazard Notices are issued when there is a potential risk to life and health. The notice will advise you of the recommended actions to take to prepare yourself, and if necessary, your property.

Evacuation Alerts

If a populated area is close to and could be affected by an emergency event, RDKS will issue an evacuation alert. An alert means "stand by and be ready to leave".

It's a good idea to have a “grab and go” bag for yourself and everyone in your family, including pets, so you have essential supplies just in case. Prepared BC has several guides and checklists to help you prepare for emergencies, like the Wildfire Preparedness Guide.

Evacuation Orders

If the danger becomes more serious in a particular area, RDKS will issue an evacuation order. An evacuation order means, “leave immediately, follow the instructions on the order, take your “grab and go” bag.” The evacuation order will tell you where to go and what to do. 

Evacuation orders may be delivered door-to-door using staff, first responders, and other agencies to assist with notifying residents and providing information related to evacuation routes and other instructions.

Additionally, the use of public or broadcast intrusive alerts via cell phones or radio can assist in rapid notification during a power outage.

An evacuation order may or may not be preceded by an evacuation alert, depending on the event and how much time is available to clear the affected area.

Ideally, the RDKS would first be able to issue an alert so people can prepare, but depending on the emergency, it’s not always possible. Once an evacuation has been ordered, you must leave your property.

 

Checking for wildfires is a team effort!

BC Wildfire detects fires by using air and ground patrols, infrared technology, predictive software and lookout towers. But many fires are reported by the general public - call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell phone if you see a wildfire, an abandoned campfire, or dangerous activity that could cause a wildfire.

BC’s River Forecast Centre is responsible for determining flood risk. They do this by analyzing snowpack and assessing seasonal water supply, and then predicting flows in rivers and streams.