So, you’re out on your own. Living on your own for the first time is exciting – and can also be a little intimidating. While we can’t help with roommates who use up all the paper towels and never replace them, or upstairs neighbours who practice their tap dancing at all hours, we can offer a bit of advice for how to help make your new home safer. 
 

Last week, I accompanied the Canadian Red Cross outreach team as they were visiting First Nation communities affected by the BC Wildfires and was reminded that no community or individual is too far to be reached. 

Local firefighters Lara and Tristan had just moved to the area before their wedding this Saturday. When the fires literally hit them close to home they got to work. 

Planning to go to the beach this summer? If you happen to cross paths with an angry jellyfish and you get stung, please know that there is no need to embarrass yourself by asking a friend to pee on your wound. 

I have always loved summer thunderstorms, even when the house shakes after a violent thunderclap. But when you live in the woods, power outages caused by violent thunderstorms are quite common. 

Imagine having to gather your family and pack only the most essential items into your car before driving away from your home, not knowing if it would be there when you returned. That is the reality for many British Columbia residents, including Bonnie Netzlaw, who was evacuated from 100 Mile House.

Over the past week, Canadian Red Cross volunteers from all across the country have arrived in Prince George, B.C., to support the local team. Meet some of the amazing Red Crossers that are already making a difference on the ground in Prince George.

“We watched the fire come over the hill towards our house,” recalls Ira Sandy, a British Columbia wildfire evacuee. “You could feel the heat and warmth from the flames.”

On Monday, Sandy evacuated from his community of Sugar Cane in northern British Columbia due to the wildfires that have been sweeping fiercely across the province. He is now staying at an evacuation centre in Prince George.