Quick current info
- Call 9-1-1 if you are in an emergency involving health, safety or fire.
- Report wildfire, campfire, open burning violation: 1-800-663-5555 / *5555
- For a quick list of grab-and-go items for evacuation, see end of page.
- Checklist for protecting your home from FireSmart Canada.
- Wildfire & Evacuation status notifications (RDCK, updated often).
Nelson Emergency Services
- Aimee Beaulieu Transition House – emergency safe shelter and support for self identifying women and children leaving domestic violence and abuse. Phone: 250-354-HELP (250-354-4357). Services are also available by online chat and text messaging.
- BC Nurses hotline: 811 to ask medical questions
- Firesmart Your Property– To help our citizens achieve these goals, Nelson Fire and Rescue Services now offers free FireSmart Home/Property Visits for property assessment and risk evaluation of the exterior of your home.
- Kid’s Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 to speak to a professional counsellor, 24 hours a day.
- Mental Health Support: 310-6789 (no area code needed) emotional support, information and resources specific to mental health.
- Nelson Fire and Rescue Services: 911 or 250-352-3103 in non-emergencies
- Nelson Police Department: 911 or 250-354-3919 in non-emergencies
- Nelson Emergency Notification system – sign up! An Alert warns you to prepare for evacuation; An Order means you must leave affected area immediately.
- Nelson Emergency Preparedness
- Poison Control (Health Link BC) – 1-800-567-8911
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) if you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be.
Area Information
- BC Air Quality Index (Environment Canada) – Includes air quality data, interactive maps, and link to smoke forecasts.
- BC Wildfire Service 1-888-336-7378 (3FOREST) – Includes an interactive wildfire map, wildfires of note, information bulletins, wildfire prevention information, and fire bans and restrictions.
- DriveBC 1-800-550-4997 – Includes help for planning routes, information on variable speed limit signs, major events, and highway webcams. Current road conditions and events, Highway Cams, BC Highway Cams, Plan Your Route, Inland Ferry Schedule, Border Delays, Report a Highway Problem.
- RDCK’s Emergency Information – includes Current Evacuations and Emergency Updates
- RDCK Emergency Notification System – Sign up.
- RDCK Emergency Preparedness: Learn how to be prepared for emergencies such as floods, landslides and wildfires.
- RDCK Firesmart – information about rebate program, wildfire mitigation and more.
- Interior Health Emergency Information – wildfires, floods, power loss and emergency preparedness.
Government Information
- Emergency Info BC – Website (and Twitter via @EmergencyInfoBC) is active during partial and full-scale provincial emergencies such as floods and wildfires (and Covid-19). Shares official response and recovery sources, and verified event information from trusted partners.
- Household Preparedness Guide (PreparedBC)
- Prepared BC – understand the hazards you face and how to prepare for them.
- Wildfire smoke and your Health (Government of Canada) – and tips on using an air filter Wildfire Smoke 101
Basic Emergency Kit Supplies
Pack the following in a backpack or small bin:
- Map with alternate routes to shelter
- First aid kit, prescriptions, personal items
- Emergency plan, important documents, cash
- Battery-powered radio and flashlight
- Phone charger and battery bank
- Blankets, seasonal clothing, and footwear
- Non-perishable food for at least 3 days (and for your pets)
- Water for at least 3 days at 4 litres per person/day (and for your pets)