Wildfires expose evacuation gaps for Canadians with disabilities, advocates say

Janice Lyons, a 74-year-old deaf woman living in Summerland, British Columbia, found herself in danger during a wildfire when she received a flash on her doorbell, an innovation for her deaf household. Her neighbor Larry, also deaf, guided her to an evacuation center in Penticton, warning her to leave immediately. However, Lyons did not initially receive any alerts or warnings about the fire through her TV or phone, highlighting the accessibility gaps in Canada's emergency response systems.

The Bald Range fire was rapidly approaching her community, and her experience illustrates the persistent challenges faced by Canadians with disabilities during evacuations. Statistics show that one in four Canadians have at least one disability, making them disproportionately affected by natural disasters. Accurate evacuation procedures are typically based on the assumption that everyone can hear sirens, understand alerts, drive themselves to safety, or line up for shelter registration.

Researchers and advocates argue that these procedures often overlook the needs of people with disabilities. Despite the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires, floods, and storms due to climate change, only 670,000 Canadians were evacuated between 1990 and 2020, and that number could triple by 2030. Yet, research indicates that Canadians with disabilities rate evacuation plans as mediocre or poor.

Accessibility improvements, such as offering alerts in multiple formats and ensuring shelters are accessible, could significantly enhance safety and effectiveness. While emergency managers are often blamed for inadequate planning, experts emphasize that the goal is not perfection but to reduce predictable barriers. Still, accessibility shortcomings can mask the full extent of the problem, as some individuals rely on informal arrangements with friends or family outside evacuation zones.

People with disabilities may also depend on powered wheelchairs, support workers, oxygen equipment, and backup batteries, making access during evacuations even more challenging. Governments must treat wildfires and floods as recurring risks requiring robust planning and preparation.