Note: This page is not being actively updated. I'll leave it as is for now as some resources may be helpful over the coming weeks.
Please verify information as it may be out of date.

How You Can Help

Volunteer

Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities. Compiling and sharing verifiable information is always a good way to help if you're not boots on the ground. Talk with businesses to provide free or discounted items and services for evacuees. Offer to drive evacuees to appointments or to gather items they need. 

Donations

Be wary of any donation requests and please don't bring donations to reception centres unless you see a call for specific donations. Most of them will not be able to manage the logistics of handling donations. If you have items to offer, you're welcome to submit the resource form and offer them to individuals that are evacuating.

Pet Supply Donations

 

Offering Space In Your Home to Evacuees

Offering space in your home to an evacuee is a generous act. To ensure the safety and comfort of both parties, here are some steps you can take:

Preparing Your Home

Safety and Security

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Screening: Ensure you know some basic details about the evacuee. If possible, connect through a trusted organization or local authority.​​​​​​​
• Secure Valuables: Store away any valuable or sensitive items to avoid misunderstandings or theft.​​​​​​​

Living Arrangements

• Space: Provide a private space for the evacuee, such as a guest room.​​​​​​​
• Emergency Exits: Show the evacuee all emergency exits and have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit accessible.

Health Precautions

• Cleanliness: Ensure the space is clean and hygienic.​​​​​​​
• Health Information: Ask if they have any health conditions or allergies that you should be aware of, and inform them of any in your household.​​​​​
• COVID-19 Precautions: Discuss and follow any necessary COVID-19 precautions, like mask-wearing or sanitization.

Legal and Financial Considerations

• Agreement: Create a simple written agreement outlining the duration of stay, shared responsibilities, and any house rules.​​​​​​​
• Insurance: Check with your home insurance provider to understand any implications of hosting someone temporarily.

Communication

• Contact Information: Exchange contact information and emergency contacts.​​​​​​​
• House Rules: Clearly explain any house rules, including meal times, quiet hours, and any shared responsibilities.

Emotional and Social Support

• Respect Privacy: Allow the evacuee their privacy and personal space.​​​​​​​
• Offer Support: Be open to listening if they want to talk, but don’t pressure them to share their experiences.​​​​​​​
• Local Information: Provide information about local resources, such as medical facilities, stores, and any support services available.

By taking these steps, you can help create a safe and supportive environment for an evacuee during a difficult time.

How Not to Help

A good read about how some of the things you want to do to help might not be that helpful: https://edwardmcintyre.com/2016/05/04/when-helping...

It's best to avoid cluttering information channels with unimportant queries. In an on-going situation with limited information coming from valid sources, try to avoid asking about your favorite recreation area and instead wait for area reports.

Avoiding Scams

Generally, you should exercise extreme caution when you are approached for donations. Unfortunately, scammers will use crisis situations to steal donations. Here's a piece from Global that came out during the Ft Mac fires:

https://globalnews.ca/news/2686147/fort-mcmurray-wildfire-how-to-avoid-donation-scams/?sf25830402=1

Please Note

Please note that I, like most Albertans, have my political leanings. However, information in emergency situations comes from many sources. Any information or links shared on this site from politicians, parties, or governments are not an endorsement or recommendation of those sources.

This site does not sell advertisement space, solicit funding from anyone, nor sell any data.