Revelstoke organizations ready to provide emergency sheltering

Emergency sheltering in Revelstoke was put to the test during 2023’s record-breaking wildfire season, when evacuation orders throughout the province saw folks seeking refuge in town. A possible repeat of the same year and future weather extremes will require a collection of resources and spaces for folks to access according to local organizations.

“For the last couple of years, the City of Revelstoke has been advertising that people can come into the Community Centre during regular operating hours,” Laurie Donato, Revelstoke’s director of parks, recreation and culture said. “We have tables and chairs set up in the MacPherson hallway.”

The entire Revelstoke Community and Aquatic Centre, and attached Okanagan Regional Library Revelstoke branch, is now equipped with HEPA filtration systems, making the building a safe air space during high smoke events. As for other indoor spaces that folks can shelter at, the city relies on private organizations and nonprofits to advertise themselves and get the word out to residents and visitors.

Still, Revelstoke’s library has been not just a place to cool down, warm up or escape extreme smoke conditions. It’s a resource to regroup and plan.

“We have evacuee protocols in place and resources for evacuees,” Lucie Bergeron, Revelstoke Library librarian said.

Plus, the recent addition to the Revelstoke library space has opened up the area to allow more guests, providing more power outlets and seating for folks to stay tuned to emergency updates. It also a space where folks can find a moment of rest.

“It’s a calm space,” Bergeron said. “Even when we’re really busy it’s still quite relaxing. There’s no cost, you don’t need to spend anything to just take a moment here and collect your thoughts.” 

Anyone with an Okanagan Regional Library card and account can access the computers and internet at the library, but Bergeron said folks without an account are still welcome to drop in.

Planning for weather emergencies also means planning for community members who can’t access the resources the city provides, Laura Stovel, Revelstoke Community Response Network coordinator told the Mountaineer.

“Find a heat buddy, or a smoke buddy,” Stovel said, explaining that while there are resources available and places to shelter during extreme weather events, not everyone in town can easily access them. Connecting with  someone in your community who might need a ride to a cool place or access to emergency notices from the city is key to keeping everyone safe.

If folks can get to the library, staff are ready to help navigate resources, access information and even send insurance claims if needed, Bergeron said. A frequent service provided by Revelstoke library staff includes helping guests unfamiliar with accessing and submitting information online.

Preparing to shelter in your home, or even provide shelter to others, is another key strategy residents need to be thinking of, Stovel added. In a recent Revelstoke Senior Life newsletter, she encouraged readers to find the coldest parts of their home and work to insulate windows with reflectix insulation and strategically place fans.

“We have to be ready for emergencies… but we also have to be ready to help our community members with that as well,” Stovel said. “Offer that spare room if you know someone doesn’t have an air conditioner or a place to go… We have to help each other before these events and during these events.”