Recent wildfires in West Kelowna and dry conditions around the region should spur Okanagan residents to be prepared to evacuate in case of an emergency.

But Ruth Manning, director of Emergency Social Services for Summerland, believes many in the community are not taking the risks to heart.

“I don’t think people are taking it as seriously as they should,” she said.

She urges everyone to have a grab and go bag, with clothing, medication, snack bars and bottled water to last 72 hours, packed and ready to take along at a moment’s notice.

Those who have pets should also have a cage for the animal and other pet supplies ready to take as well.

While many believe they are able to pack their gear quickly, Manning said they will not always have enough time.

One of the houses destroyed in the West Kelowna fires burned within a matter of seconds, she said.

In some instances, people are not given any warning before it is time to evacuate.

Because of the conditions this summer, Manning said the danger is high.

“All it takes is one person and the flip of a cigarette and we could be in serious trouble,” she said. “It’s not taking much to start a fire.”

If an emergency takes place, those who are evacuated must first go to the reception centre, which will be set up in the Arena Banquet Room.

Those who are not able to move because of illness or disability and their caregivers should register with the Interior Health Authority before an emergency strikes, she added.

The last time Summerland was under alert for an evacuation was during the summer and early fall of 2003 when a similar fire season was taking place.

Manning said the Emergency Social Services team today is prepared to handle the present emergency.

“The Summerland ESS team is fully ready and able to go to work,” she said, adding that team is now on standby.