Mental health among supports shared by minister in Okanagan amid wildfire emergency - Lake Country Calendar
At the peak of emergent wildfires in the Okanagan, and amid a provincial state of emergency, a key minister is visiting the region to speak with officials firsthand. Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency. . .
At the peak of emergent wildfires in the Okanagan, and amid a provincial state of emergency, a key minister is visiting the region to speak with officials firsthand. Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, visited Vernon and Kelowna Monday and Tuesday (Aug. 10 and 11). She met with leaders such as Okanagan Indian Band Chief Dan Wilson, whose community has lost hundreds of homes to the Bradley Creek wildfire, just five years after the White Rock Creek wildfire in 2021 also ravaged the land. “The community is so strong and resilient but they’ve had so much devastation,” Greene told Black Press Media. “It’s very traumatic to be evacuated because there’s so much uncertainty. And for people who are evacuated and then learn their home has been lost, it’s just doubly traumatizing. ”With many fire seasons impacting the community, Greene and Wilson talked about the importance of cultural support in times of crisis, “because that’s one of the ways that we help people be more resilient. ”With mental health support being just as critical as accommodations and food, Greene urges anyone struggling to seek out the Disaster Psychosocial Support in reception centres. “Otherwise known as purple shirts,” she said of identifying them. “They’re there to help you. People that are having, honestly, one of the worst days of their lives, as well as helping volunteers because our volunteers who are intaking traumatized people, they’re having a difficult day too. As competent and caring as they are, it’s not an easy job, especially in times like this. ”With wildfires becoming an annual event, Greene said the ministry is investing in climate resilience through FireSmart, prescribed and cultural burns and changing legislation to enable more forest resiliency activities to take place, such as forest thinning. “But also for other kinds of natural disasters through my ministry. Like floods, for example, are a big concern. Not right now, but they will be, particularly when landscapes are impacted really severely by wildfire, we see that flood hazard emerge,” said Greene. Money and legislation can only do so much, which is why everyone is urged to do their part. “Preparedness is also like a team sport, I like to say,” said Greene. “Individuals also have a role to play here too in being prepared for emergencies. ”What many may not know, is they can register now before an emergency strikes, so that they aren’t trying to do so amid chaos. “We’re recommending that everybody pre-registers for emergency supports. It really takes the pressure off of accessing those supports,” said Greene of the option that wasn’t available in 2021 but has been implemented since 2024. “And in the case of large evacuations, we have a self-serve option so that people don’t need to come to a reception centre. ”Getting those who are comfortable online pre-registered also frees up reception centres to focus more attention on more complex cases, such as those with mobility issues, seniors, or those with a large number of pets. Greene shared condolences to the family of the senior woman who died in Summerland’s Bald Range wildfire. “Obviously our first priority in any emergency is keeping people safe, that why it’s especially devastating to hear someone lost their life. ”Increased resources have been brought in to assist online registrations, as well as getting more hotel rooms for evacuees. “As long as there is an evacuation order, we’ll be supporting people with emergency support services,” said Greene, adding home insurance may provide more comprehensive coverages. And it’s been a busy year for support, with drought reflected in the fire risk. “We are seeing more frequent and more severe wildfire, year after year due to the impacts of climate change,” said Greene. “This is a trend that is going to continue. ”Hers and multiple other ministries are looking at ways to minimize drought on communities, but Greene admits, “there’s a lot of work to do. ”