BC Wildfires – Provincial State of Emergency Declared
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Information adapted from the Province of BC’s release: |
On August 15, 2018 the British Columbia government declared a provincial state of emergency to support the provincewide response to the ongoing wildfire situation.
The state of emergency is initially in effect for 14 days, once issued, and may be extended or rescinded as necessary. The state of emergency applies to the whole province and ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a co-ordinated response to protect the public, which remains the provincial government’s top priority.
As of August 14, there were 566 wildfires burning in BC, with 29 evacuation orders affecting approximately 3,050 people (1,521 properties), in addition to 48 evacuation alerts impacting approximately 18,720 people (9,359 properties). The extended weather forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions, with risk of thunderstorms in some parts of the province.
ACCESSING MEDICATIONS YOU MAY NEED DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY
If you have been displaced by an evacuation, you can visit a pharmacy near you to access an emergency supply of medications you may need. The College’s Find a Pharmacy tool can help you locate a pharmacy in the community where you are staying.
Medical records may be difficult to access during a disaster or state of emergency. If you rely on a prescription, talk to your primary health care provider or pharmacist about how to keep an extra supply or valid prescription in your emergency kit and grab and go bags.
To learn more about how to prepare for an emergency, visit gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC.
PROVIDING CONTINUITY OF CARE FOR PATIENTS DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY
Professional Practice Policy 25 – Pharmacy Disaster Preparedness outlines what’s expected of pharmacists in providing continuity of care for patients during a state of emergency.
Pharmacists are required to use their professional judgement, thoroughly document any medications they provide and communicate with the patient’s prescriber as soon as possible.
PharmaNet also plays an important role in supporting continuity in care by allowing a pharmacist to review a patient’s prescriptions and medication history regardless of what pharmacy a patient typically uses.
For more information on what to do during a state of emergency, visit:
bcpharmacists.org/emergency