A table is filled with a lantern, first aid kit, batteries, and radio to show how people should prepare to return home after an evacuation

Whether you’ve had to evacuate your home because of wildfires, a storm, or another emergency, it’s important to pay close attention to any directions given by your local authorities. When they say it’s safe to return to your home, keep these tips in mind to make the transition as smooth as possible.

  1. Pack some supplies. Before you head back home, try to gather some basic supplies to make your return a safe one. Most of these items can be picked up at your nearest hardware or grocery store if you don’t have them on hand:
    • Gloves
    • Goggles
    • Closed-toe shoes
    • A cell phone (with a camera)
    • A flashlight
    • Bottled water
    • Garbage bags
    • A first aid kit
  2. Walk the perimeter. Once you’ve arrived at home, walk around the perimeter before you go inside. Take note of any out-of-place electrical wiring, gas smells, or loose debris that may fall. If you notice downed power lines or a gas smell, call your hydro or gas company before entering your house.
  3. Power down. Enter your house carefully and check that the main power breaker is turned off before you make your way through the rest of the house. If you have to use a generator, a charcoal grill, or another fuel-burning device, make sure you keep it outdoors, and in a well-ventilated area.
  4. Don’t drink the water. Depending on the cause of the emergency, sewer systems, wells, and septic systems may not be working properly, and tap water may be unsafe to drink. It’s best to avoid drinking your tap water until your local officials have given the all clear, and avoid flushing the toilet until you know that your sewer or septic system is in good working order.
  5. When in doubt, throw it out. Food and drinks inside your fridge or freezer may need to be tossed when you return home — especially if your house lost power or was exposed to heat, ash, smoke, or any of the chemicals used to put out fires. Canned items that are sealed and don’t appear damaged (look out for dents and bulges) should be wiped clean in case they’ve been exposed to any harmful chemicals in the air.

    Did you know that your home insurance policy could help pay to replace the foods you have to throw away? Take pictures of anything you’re throwing out in case your insurance company needs details.
  6. Photograph the damage. If your home has sustained any damage, try to take detailed photographs before you begin cleaning up. This can help your insurance company when they’re assessing the damage.
  7. Save receipts for additional living expenses. If you’re forced to leave your home in a government-ordered evacuation, your home insurance policy may include coverage for out-of-pocket expenses like food and a place to stay. Keep receipts for transportation, stays at a hotel or rental property, and any other costs you wouldn’t normally face while living in your own home.
  8. Contact your group’s home insurance broker. If your home has sustained any damage, your group’s broker can coordinate with your insurance company to help you get repairs underway as quickly as possible. Be prepared to provide some important details about the damage to your group’s broker or the responding claims representative from your insurance company.

For more tips on returning home after an emergency evacuation, check out the websites for your provincial and municipal governments and the Canadian Red Cross.

If you’ve been affected by the wildfires in BC, click here for more helpful tips and resources.

Know someone who’s getting ready to return home after an emergency evacuation? Share these tips on Facebook or Twitter.