Wildfire Information and Support
Disasters and emergencies can cause significant disruption and add stress to your life. Preparing for and starting recovery from an emergency can be difficult. The Canadian Red Cross has compiled information and links to help you and your family with what can feel overwhelming.
How to be prepared for wildfires
Learn more about how you and your family can be ready before wildfires.
Helpful information after a wildfire:
If you have insurance for fire events, consider the following:
Taking care of yourself and others:
Emergencies affect our wellbeing and mental health, disrupting our routines, and access to social support. Individuals, families, and communities can be impacted with little warning, and recovery can seem overwhelming. Review the guides below, and reach out for help and support for yourself and your loved ones.
Apply to become a volunteer. We will contact applicants depending on the needs in your community.
How to be prepared for wildfires
Learn more about how you and your family can be ready before wildfires.
Helpful information after a wildfire:
Returning home after a wildfire can be difficult. Before returning home, always check with officials on whether it’s safe to do so.
Review the step-by-step Canadian Red Cross Guide to Wildfire Recovery for information on what to do when you return home after a fire.
- Wildfire Event Checklist and Tips : general checklists and tips for navigating recovery such as how to keep documents together and organized, who to hire and not hire, who should be notified of the fire damage, reminders of what to consider and tips for navigating potential fire insurance claims.
- Home Inventory Checklist: a document to keep a list of your home inventory which is helpful both for insurance and other assistance programs. In the case of an insurance claim, an insurance provider would use a similar form to assess the cost to repair or replace lost or damaged items. These items are referred to as home contents.
- Substantial Repair and Reconstruction Contract Checklist : Hiring a contractor for damage or rebuild? Use this checklist with tips as a guide when reviewing the contract prior to signing with a contractor.
If you have insurance for fire events, consider the following:
- Understanding your Insurance Policy – Homeowner : a guide on the most common types of insurance policies for all types of disasters. Read along with the other documents below.
- Renter in the Event of Wildfire Facts and Tips : a factsheet on insurance coverage for tenants in fire events. This includes the items that would be covered under the landlord’s insurance policy and what would be covered under a renter’s / tenant’s insurance policy.
- Submitting an Insurance Claim – Homeowner : a guide on what to expect during the insurance claims process, with tips and information about how to escalate and appeal a decision you don’t agree with.
- Cash Settlements – What to Consider: a guide to how a cash settlement works and how your payout might be less than you anticipate.
- Fire Insurance Fundamentals: infographic about insurance coverage for fire events and claims.
Taking care of yourself and others:
Emergencies affect our wellbeing and mental health, disrupting our routines, and access to social support. Individuals, families, and communities can be impacted with little warning, and recovery can seem overwhelming. Review the guides below, and reach out for help and support for yourself and your loved ones.
- Guide to Disaster Recovery, Caregivers and Parents: a guide with information on coping mechanisms and stress symptoms in children, with tips for caregivers and parents.
- Coping with Crisis: a guide on on what to look for and expect during times of increased stress, and information on how to cope.
- Guidebook for Wellbeing in Recovery: a guide with information and practical tips and worksheets on how to support yourself and others following a disaster.
- Preparing for and Coping with the Effects of a Disaster or Emergency
National support resources:
- Canadian Mental Health Association: For links to support and resources in your area.
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310
- Kids Help Phone - 24-hour bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, online counselling and referral service for children and youth.
- Bell let's talk - Get help page - List of organizations with helpful resources
Apply to become a volunteer. We will contact applicants depending on the needs in your community.