Evacuation Considerations

About Evacuation Considerations

Knowing what to do before an emergency happens helps everyone stay calm, safe, and connected.
This includes understanding the stages of an evacuation, how transportation will be supported, and when it may be safer to stay where you are.

Evacuation is sometimes necessary to protect people from immediate danger - such as wildfire, flooding, or hazardous materials. In other situations, it may be safer to shelter in place until conditions improve or officials confirm it’s safe to move.

Understanding both scenarios, when to go and when to stay, is a key part of being prepared.
Knowing what resources are available and how Sooke responds helps strengthen our community’s collective resilience.

Evacuation Triggers and Guidelines

Every emergency is different. Evacuation decisions are guided by several trigger points that consider current conditions and potential risks. These include:

• The proximity and behaviour of a hazard (e.g., wildfire direction, flood levels, air quality)
• Road accessibility and safety for responders and residents
• Availability of shelter and support services
• Weather and environmental forecasts
• Direction from emergency officials and provincial agencies

Because every situation is unique, evacuation guidelines are designed to provide flexibility - allowing the District, emergency partners, and residents to adapt as situations evolve.

Early preparation and awareness give everyone more time and choice when it matters most.

Evacuation Alerts and Orders

If an evacuation is needed, emergency officials will issue clear directions through Alertable, local radio, and the District’s website.

Evacuations typically follow a three-stage process:

What to Take with You

Pack a grab-and-go bag for each family member that can be picked up quickly if you need to leave. Include:

• Identification and important documents (passport, insurance papers, etc.)
• Medications and health supplies
• Food and water for 72 hours
• Clothing, blankets, and toiletries
• Pet supplies
• Comfort items for children and elders
• Flashlight, phone charger, and small radio

If you have mobility challenges or rely on medical equipment, make sure your evacuation plan includes backup power or battery options.

Evacuee Transportation

In Sooke, our vast geography and coastal setting mean an all-of-community evacuation is unlikely. Instead, evacuations are more likely to be localized, depending on the area and type of emergency. Depending on conditions, transportation may include ground, air, or water options.

Highway 14 provides Sooke’s primary transportation corridor - east toward Victoria and west toward Jordan River and Port Renfrew. Weather, road conditions, and the nature of the event can influence which routes are available and how residents move to safety.

During an evacuation, the District works with local, regional, and provincial partners to support residents who do not have personal transportation. This includes partnerships with School District 62 (with a bus compound near Sooke’s town core) and BC Transit.

If you need help evacuating:

• Follow directions provided through Alertable, emergency responders, or official announcements
• Identify yourself to officials or volunteers at the Reception Centre so assistance can be arranged.
• Emergency Support Services (ESS) can help coordinate safe transportation for residents with limited mobility, health challenges, or other specific needs.
• Whenever possible, plan ahead with neighbours, friends, or family to identify shared transportation options in your area.

Sooke’s evacuation planning is community-based and flexible, designed to adapt to our coastal location and ensure no one is left behind - on land, by sea, or through the air.

Sheltering in Place

In some emergencies, it may be safer to stay indoors rather than evacuate.

This is called sheltering in place, and it is often advised during severe storms, earthquakes, or hazardous material incidents.

If asked to stay in place:

• Go indoors immediately and stay there until notified it’s safe to leave.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Turn off fans, heating, and air conditioning to reduce air intake if advised to do so.
• Move to an interior room with as few windows as possible.
• Keep pets inside with you.
• Listen to local updates on Alertable, radio, or trusted online sources for further instructions.

Staying put helps keep roads clear for emergency responders and reduces exposure to hazards outside.
If you have neighbours who may need help - especially seniors, people with disabilities, or families with young children - check in safely when you can.

Returning Home

When an evacuation order is lifted, officials will issue a Rescind Notice.

Before returning home:

• Follow only approved re-entry routes.
• Watch for debris, downed power lines, or unstable structures.
• Do not turn on gas or electrical systems until it’s confirmed safe.
• Discard food or medication that may have spoiled.
• Check on your neighbours and share updates from trusted sources.

If your home is damaged or unsafe, contact your insurance provider and visit the Reception Centre for assistance from Emergency Support Services.

Stay Connected

Staying informed and connected is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others.

• Sign up for Alertable to receive real-time local alerts and instructions.
• Tune into local radio stations for regional emergency information.
• Connect with your neighbours - emergency planning works best when we help each other.