It's tempting to simply ignore the government as often as possible. After all, the three main modes of government communication are 1) self-congratulatory propaganda 2) desperate attempts to explain scandal and/or general incompetence, and lastly, 3) actual useful information.

That said, when it comes to natural disasters, it's type three that we're dealing with.

Right now, the Fraser River is creeping up towards record-breaking levels, with more water expected this weekend. If the forecasts are correct, we'll see higher river levels than in any year since 1972. Low-lying areas of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are closed, and numerous people up and down the Fraser have been evacuated or told they may have to leave at short notice.

This is when you listen to your government: when they're telling you they think your life might be in danger.

We've seen people driving through flooded roads, or trying to edge around barricades with "road closed" signs on them. We've seen repeated warnings about staying off the dikes. And we've seen warnings that riverbanks may be unstable thanks to the floods.

There has already been one death due to the flood this year in B.C., and we'd prefer not to see another. Just as we'd like to see no more deaths from people who ignore signs and ski out of bounds, or those who won't leave their homes when forest fires draw near.

Nature is awesome, in every sense of the word. It is inspiring, beautiful, and a source of wonder. It is also dangerous, powerful, and far beyond our ability to control. At best, we can predict when something is about to go wrong, and try to get out of its way.

So please, if you got an evacuation alert, get your family, your pets, and your valuables prepared to leave. If you're safe now, don't put yourself in danger needlessly.

- M.C.