With wildfires burning in many BC communities, our heartfelt sympathies are with all British Columbians affected by the fires, including those in the legal profession. The fires and their after-effects may impact some law firms’ physical premises and files. See our fact sheet, What to do Before and After a Disaster Strikes, for five simple steps to reduce your exposure to a disaster and, if a disaster strikes, 10 immediate actions to take. In addition, see our detailed Disaster Preparation Checklist and After a Disaster Strikes Checklist.
In a disaster, it’s critical to prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself, your family and your staff, and to follow the latest guidance from EmergencyInfoBC regarding evacuation orders and alerts. Lawyers, articled students and their family members who may be feeling mentally and emotionally distressed are encouraged to access free, confidential, personal counselling and referral services through TELUS Health One (previously called LifeWorks). These services are available 24/7 toll-free at 1.888.307.0590. Log in to their website to access their Natural Disasters Toolkit for information on coping with a disaster. You can also contact a practice advisor at practiceadvice@lsbc.org if you have questions.