Two Couples. One Wildfire. One Life-Changing Difference.

How one simple step saved a family from chaos—and why you can’t afford to wait.

When the wildfire hit, two families had a choice. The news of the Evacuation Alert had barely sunk in when the Order came through: Evacuate now. No time to think. No time to second-guess. Just go! Both families lived just a few kilometers apart. Both saw the same sky fill with smoke. Both received the same warnings. But the way they responded—and the consequences that followed—couldn’t have been more different.

One family had a plan. The other had panic. This is their story. And one day, it could be yours.

The Evans Family: Ready, Packed, and Gone

Amanda and Chris Evans had seen the alerts before. But this time, something told them to act. So, when the Evacuation Alert lit up their phones, they didn’t hesitate. They grabbed their printed family emergency plan, reviewed their evacuation route, packed the car, and made sure their Grab & Go Bags were ready by the door. Amanda double-checked Chris’s medical supplies and called her sister to confirm a safe place to stay. They even let the kids pick a favourite toy or book to pack—something comforting and familiar. Their dog’s leash, food, and vet papers were already in a small tote by the door, ready to go.

When the Evacuation Order dropped, there was no scrambling. No fear. No panic. Amanda calmly zipped up the bags, tossed them into the car, and grabbed the insulin from the fridge. Amy carried her backpack; Josh clutched his teddy bear. Chris loaded Rupert into his dog crate, already in the car, with a blanket over it to keep their pup calm.

Within minutes, they were on the road, ahead of the smoke, ahead of the panic. The kids had snacks and juice boxes. Rupert rested quietly. And most importantly, they had a destination waiting.

They arrived safely. No traffic jams. No forgotten essentials. No uncertainty. Their preparation paid off.

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 The Parkers: Caught Off Guard and Scrambling

Just across the valley, Julia and Tyler Parker had seen the same alert. But with work meetings, errands, and a long to-do list, it felt like something they could deal with later. “I figured we’d have time,” Julia later said. They didn’t pack. They didn’t plan. They didn’t even talk about what they’d do if the alert turned into an order.

When the Evacuation Order came —right as they were getting ready to sit down for dinner—chaos took over. Julia turned off the stove mid-meal while Tyler scrambled to find clean clothes. They grabbed what they could—some pyjamas, a phone charger, a half-full diaper bag—and stuffed it all into one tote. No snacks. No water. No documents. No plan.

Their dog bolted under the couch, terrified by the sudden noise and tension. It took several minutes and a trail of snacks to coax him into the car. In the rush, they forgot Tyler’s prescription medication and didn’t bring any supplies for the dog—no leash, no food, not even a water bowl.

Sarah and Adam, their two kids, one still in socks, were crying in the backseat—confused, cold, and scared. "Where are we going?" one asked. They didn’t have an answer.

The roads were jammed with vehicles. Smoke blurred the windshield. Visibility was poor, and their GPS lost signal when they finally made it outside of town. They had no plan, no destination, and nowhere to go. What followed was a sleepless night in a parking lot, trying to reassure their children while worrying about what they left behind.

It was terrifying. And it was preventable.

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Alert vs. Order: What Every Family Needs to Know

Disasters don’t work on your schedule. Here’s the difference that could save your life:

• Evacuation Alert: This is your heads-up. It means danger is approaching—use this time wisely. Prepare your home, pack your bags, and confirm a place to go.

• Evacuation Order: This is your final warning. You must leave immediately. There’s no time to get organized—only to act.

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The Reality Families Need to Hear

You can’t predict when disaster will strike—but you can decide how prepared your family will be. Whether it’s wildfires, floods, earthquakes, or even a prolonged power outage, one thing is certain: Preparation gives you options. Having an evacuation plan, knowing where you’ll go, and having essentials ready to grab can be the difference between safety and struggle.  That’s what separated the Evans and the Parkers.

Take the First Step Toward Peace of Mind

Check with your local community to see what emergency alert system they use.  Some of the most common apps include:

• Alertable

• Voyent Alert

These apps send real-time evacuation notices, hazard updates, and local emergency information straight to your phone, so you’re never caught off guard.

Don't Wait. Prepare Now. Wildfires, floods, earthquakes—disasters don’t give second chances.  The Evans were ready. The Parkers weren’t. Which one will your family be?

 Meet Jackie Kloosterboer

With over 30 years of frontline experience in emergency preparedness and disaster response, I’ve helped thousands of families, communities, and organizations prepare for the unexpected—and recover when it strikes. From wildfires and floods to large-scale evacuations, I know firsthand what works when every second counts.

I’ve led emergency response efforts with the City of Vancouver, partnered with First Nations communities across B.C., and taught future responders through the Justice Institute of British Columbia. I’m also the founder of Mom’s Ultimate Disaster Plan —an online course designed to help busy families feel confident, informed, and ready to take action when it matters most.

My mission is simple: to make sure your family is ready before the chaos begins.