Jennifer Ackerman
Regina Leader-Post
Thousands of Saskatchewan residents have been displaced due to wildfires this season, but more and more are getting the green light to return home.
That includes the village of Beauval, where a mandatory evacuation order was lifted this week.
“The fire came right into our community and, as you will see it, it’s quite a devastation,” says Beauval Mayor Rick Laliberte. “But we are safe, our homes were saved by the firefighters, so there’s much appreciation to our firefighting teams.”
As residents continue migrating back to northern communities, the Government of Saskatchewan has a list of tips for evacuees returning to their homes.
Here’s what you need to know:
Tips for a safe return
“Being able to return home is a major event for evacuees and such an event, while exciting, contains many challenges,” the province says in a recent news release.
To help ease some of those challenges, the release provides a number of tips to keep in mind.
Wait for official clearance before re-entering, it says. Upon arrival, watch for hazards like debris, fallen trees or damaged roads and stay 10 metres away from downed power lines.
Residents are urged to have utilities inspected by professionals before turning them on, assess structural safety prior to entering the home, test and replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as needed, dispose of spoiled food, test well water before using and check for boiling water advisories.
The release also notes that residents should document dam age for insurance claims.
Keep records of damage
On its website, the province suggests keeping detailed written and photographic records to support any claims being made through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP). Do this by describing the situation, including when and where damage occurred, the extent of the damage and what actions were taken.
Take detailed photos, documenting the date and location, and include images of any emergency repairs or materials used, says the website.
Also, log all related work that’s undertaken, including the number of hours, who did the work and what was done.
“Include costs and operating times for equipment (pumps, fans, chainsaws, vacuums, etc.); and keep notes on any temporary or emergency measures to prevent further loss,” states the PDAP section of the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.
Financial aid
The PDAP is run by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), a Crown corporation that oversees emergency management in the province.
It offers financial compensation for recovery efforts in the wake of environmental disasters. The money is to be put toward things like debris cleanup, repairs, demo lition costs, and replacement of damaged property.
“PDAP may help cover the cost of essential uninsurable losses, cleanup, repairs and temporary re location, but is not a replacement for private insurance,” notes a government website.
The province urges residents to begin remediation efforts to avoid mould or rodents, but delay non-urgent repairs or cleanup until a “qualified professional has assessed the damage.”
Move belongings to a dry, secure place, contact your private insurance provider to see what is covered, and then contact your local authority (town, village, etc.) to request an application, explains the PDAP section of the government’s website.
Earlier this week, the province extended the deadline for people impacted by wildfires to apply for disaster relief through PDAP from 30 days to six months.
Mental health supports
“Be prepared to experience grief and loss,” says the government news release on evacuees returning home. The province lists a variety of mental health supports available for individuals impacted by evacuations.
Residents can dial or text the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 988 for 24/7 voice or text support.
“You can also talk to your medical health provider or call Healthline at 811,” states the Government of Saskatchewan website.
Residents at a hotel evacuation site who need mental health supports are asked to see the on-site team lead.
More information on rapid access to crisis and emergency resources can be found at saskatchewan.ca.
— with files from The Canadian Press
jackerman@postmedia.com
