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EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN
- Steelhead Community -​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

EMERGENCY EVACUATION – STEELHEAD COMMUNITY

Updated: March 30, 2026

Steelhead is a one-road-in / one-road-out rural community surrounded by steep, forested terrain. During wildfire, flood, or storm events, conditions can change rapidly and evacuation options may become limited.

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The Steelhead Community Association (SCA) has developed updated emergency preparedness guidance for residents that is consistent with the 2025 emergency evacuation information provided by the City of Mission.

KEY PRINCIPLE: LEAVE EARLY​

In Steelhead, early evacuation saves lives.

  • Do not wait for last-minute instructions

  • Do not wait for perfect information

  • If conditions feel unsafe, leave immediately

If in doubt — leave early.

EVACUATION REALITIES

​Residents should be aware:

  • Fire spreads faster uphill

  • Roads may become blocked with trees and powerlines without warning

  • Smoke, debris, and poor visibility may limit escape options

  • Emergency responders may be delayed

Forestry roads beyond gates:

  • May be steep, narrow, or overgrown

  • May be unsafe or impassable

  • Should NOT be used unless directed by emergency officials

EVACMAP26.png

Do not attempt to outrun a fire on foot.

WHERE TO GO

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  1.  Steelhead Community Hall (Primary Mustering Location)

  2.  Fire Hall No. 2 – Stave Falls

  3.  Mission Leisure Centre​​​

​Proceed to the first safe and accessible location:

  • Wait for direction from emergency officials or Gate Captains

  • Proceed to the nearest Forestry Gate if directed to do so

  • Do not move beyond gates unless instructed​​

🚫 ​If roads are blocked:​​

Gates are control and marshalling points, if needed, NOT guaranteed escape routes.

PRIMARY: STEELHEAD COMMUNITY HALL

Steelhead Community Hall

#2: Stave Falls Fire Station

Station 2 - Stave Falls

#3:  Mission Liesure Centre

Mission Leisure Centre

HELICOPTER EVACUATION

Two potential helispot locations:

 1.  Hunter gate

 2. Campbell gate

^ see Evac Map

  • Helicopter evacuation is not a reliable primary strategy

  • It is a last-resort option only

  • It depends on weather, visibility, aircraft availability, and safety conditions​​​​

Hunter Gate

GATES = LAST RESORT.

Never plan your evacuation around helicopter pickup or forestry road access.

COMMUNICATIONS

During an emergency, information may come from multiple sources:

Steelhead CR2

Official Alerts

  • Evacuation Alerts and Orders

  • Emergency responders

Steelhead Community Notifications

  • SCA Connect Rocket system (community alerts)

  • Email or local updates when available​​

When Systems Fail

  • Airhorns: 3 blasts – pause – repeat = EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY

       (You may hear car horns or ​a siren)

  • Whistles may be used for guidance

Steelhead CR LOGO

→  Steelhead's terrain is challenging.

→  Airhorns and whistles may not be audible at your residence, depending upon your location.

→  Stay alert during wildfire season.

→  Do not rely on any single communication system.

CONNECT ROCKET (STEELHEAD COMMUNITY ALERTS)

The SCA operates a community-level Connect Rocket notification system:

  • Receives alerts from the City (via leadership team)

  • Shares verified information with Steelhead residents

  • Sends Steelhead-specific updates when needed

To sign up email us your name, address, email, and phone number:   📧 SteelheadCommunity@gmail.com

​→

Connect Rocket supplements official alerts — it does not replace them.

PERSONAL PREPAREDNESS

Every household should:

  • Have a GO-BAG ready before fire season

  • Plan how they will leave, where they will go, and what they will take

  • Prepare for pets, livestock, and vulnerable family members

  • FireSmart their property​​

Prepared Households Evacuate Safely.

IMPORTANT

  • Conditions can change rapidly

  • Evacuation routes are not guaranteed

  • Always follow real-time instructions from emergency officials.

EVACUATION MAPS

​Residents are encouraged to refer to the:

​👉 Steelhead Emergency Evacuation Map for directional guidance. (Download link here)

DRIVE AROUND. GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY BEFORE AN EMERGENCY.

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