Emergency Alerts and Evacuations

Stay informed and prepared with emergency alerts and evacuation information in the Peace River Regional District. Taking the time to learn how to prepare for an emergency now can make a big difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe. Access real-time updates on active emergencies, view the Evacuation Map, learn how to sign up for critical alerts and explore frequently asked questions, resources and support to help you stay safe and ready for any situation.

Register for Emergency Alerts

North East BC (NEBC) Alerts is a digital system for emergency alerts and evacuation notifications in the Peace River Regional District. It operates separately from federal and provincial alert systems. The PRRD, in collaboration with the provincial government, can issue a Broadcast Intrusive Alert through the provincial alerting system in the case of immediate, life-threatening danger. These alerts interrupt TV, radio and wireless devices to warn the affected public.

Registering an Account

Signing up is easy. You can register online for NEBC Alerts to receive fast and accurate updates to registered users within affected areas during critical events. You can also opt to receive notifications about non-emergency news, such as community meetings and PRRD service disruptions.

Register for NEBC Alerts

You can also download the Everbridge app for iOS (Apple) or Android. Once subscribed, you will receive timely notifications that keep you informed and prepared.

Account Support

If you need assistance with creating your account or modifying your settings, please contact the PRRD for support. You can unsubscribe from NEBC Alerts at any time through your account settings or by reaching out to the PRRD.

Evacuations

An evacuation is a mandatory order requiring you to leave your property due to an imminent threat to life or safety, such as fire, flood, dangerous goods transportation or health emergencies. You may receive an evacuation alert to prepare before an official order, but immediate evacuation is mandatory once an order is issued.

In the event of an emergency, understanding the difference between an Evacuation Alert and an Evacuation Order is crucial. The provincial government also has more information available about emergency evacuee guidance.

Evacuation Alert

An Evacuation Alert signals the need to be prepared to evacuate on short notice.

Evacuation Order

An Evacuation Order means that you are at risk and need to leave the area immediately. During an Evacuation Order, promptly leave the area, adhere to instructions regarding evacuation routes, stay informed via the EmergencyInfoBC and the PRRD, and await official notice before returning home.

Tactical evacuations occur when life-threatening situations demand rapid action without prior notice, often coordinated by the RCMP or local police. Once the threat subsides, an Evacuation Rescinded notice indicates it is safe to return.

Preparing for Evacuations

To prepare for potential evacuations, familiarize yourself with local hazards and follow guidelines from PreparedBC for readiness. We have several resources available to help you prepare for an emergency.

If you are under evacuation, you might need Emergency Support Services (ESS) for food, shelter or clothing. Registering for ESS will make the process faster if you need these services.

Register for ESS

Emergency Support Services (ESS)

ESS is a provincial emergency response system that provides services to preserve the well-being of people affected by an emergency or disaster. ESS volunteers play an important role during emergencies in the PRRD by:

Helping people to remain independent and self-sufficient
Helping people to meet their basic survival needs during a disaster including food, shelter, clothing and medical needs
Reuniting families separated by disaster
Giving people accurate and up-to-date information about the situation
Helping people to re-establish themselves as quickly as possible after a disaster
Helping a community work through the recovery process

If you are interested helping ESS, you can view volunteer and help emergency services for more information. You can also visit ESS for volunteering information.

Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross, Disaster Services Branch, plays a very important role by helping people affected by emergencies and disasters. The Red Cross works with governments and other humanitarian organizations such as Emergency Social Services. They help provide for people’s basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, first aid, emotional support and family reunification. During the recovery phase of disasters, Red Cross remains on the scene. They stay to help those affected to rebuild their lives and communities.

Visit Canadian Red Cross to learn about the disaster services they provide and how you can help. Their website contains excellent information on how you and your family can ensure that you are all prepared in the event of a disaster in your community.

Shelter-in-Place: Staying Safe Indoors

Shelter-in-place is a safety measure used during emergencies when staying inside is safer than leaving. This might be necessary during events like chemical spills, public health situations or severe weather.

If you are told to shelter-in-place:

Go inside a secure building
Close all windows and doors
Turn off ventilation if instructed

This helps protect you from potential hazards outside until authorities say it is safe. For updates during a shelter-in-place, please check the PRRD website or the Facebook page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions about evacuations, notifications and available assistance. Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing the PRRD or calling 250-784-3200.

When would an evacuation be ordered and who makes the decision?

When residents are at risk due to fire, flood or the transportation of dangerous goods, an evacuation could be ordered by:

The Board of Directors of the PRRD after declaring a State of Local Emergency
The Fire Commissioner for either tactical or safety reasons or due to the threat of explosion
The Ministry of Health or the local Health Authority
The Province of BC after declaring a Provincial State of Emergency

How much advance notice will I receive for an evacuation and am I required to leave my property?

You may receive an evacuation alert before getting an evacuation order. This depends on the event and how much time is available to clear the affected area. It is preferable to issue an alert first so people can prepare but this is not always possible.

Once an evacuation has been ordered, you must leave your property as the order will be enforced by the RCMP. To ensure personal and family preparedness, learn how you can get prepared for an emergency.

Does the PRRD Emergency Preparedness Program include search and rescue for lost persons?

No, this is the responsibility of Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR), the RCMP and search and rescue groups. The PRRD does give small grants to local search and rescue teams to help with operational and training costs.

Can I get Involved as a volunteer?

Learn how you can volunteer and help emergency services. These groups are always actively seeking and encouraging new members.

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