EOC Update: flood recovery

News Article

Published: November 19, 2021

Friday, November 19, 2021 2:00 pm

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) is working with Indigenous communities, member municipalities, fire departments, and community partners to ensure the safety of residents, provide the necessary supplies, and assist with recovery efforts.

Please avoid non-essential travel and follow any travel restrictions the Province of BC may impose under the provincial state of emergency. If you must leave your current location, check drivebc.ca for the latest updates. Please avoid working in or around fast-moving water and be aware of fallen or unstable trees and utility poles, damaged gas and power lines, and water and sewage contamination.

Recovering after a flood
Returning home after widespread flooding can be overwhelming. Use caution and take it one step at a time. Visit the Province of BC website for important links and information.

Rapid Damage Assessment teams are visiting properties in the region including Tulameen and Coalmont in Electoral Area H (Rural Princeton) as well as the Town of Princeton. Re-entry kits and information are being distributed directly to properties impacted by flooding. The RDOS Emergency Operations Centre is working with the Town of Princeton and partner agencies to identify and dispatch professional services including electrical, gas, and restoration.

Clean-up after a flood
Know the hazards and when it is safe to return home. Visit HealthLinkBC for important links and information. If you have identified damage to your property please notify us 250-490-4225. We are aiming to provide rapid damage assessments as soon as soon as it is safe to do so.

Emergency Support Services
If your property is under Evacuation Order or Alert due to flooding, please register with the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool ess.gov.bc.ca or call 1-833-498-3770.

Emergency Support Services renewals
If you are under evacuation and require continued evacuation support, please call 1-833-498-3770. Please only call if your status is within 24 hours of expiring and continued support is required.

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)
The Province of BC has approved DFA for the interior. DFA Q&A information.

DFA may not be available in certain circumstances including, but not limited to:

If flood insurance was reasonably and readily available to a property owner.
Dwellings such as vacation homes and property other than a principal dwelling.

Donations and Assistance
If you would like to donate funds or supplies for evacuees, please email donations@gov.bc.ca or call the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111.

If you would like to donate funds or supplies to Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT), please visit alertcanada.org or call 250-809-7152.

Please consult with Interior Health before offering or providing well water, milk from your cows, or home-cooked meals.

Drinking Water
If you are unsure about the safety of your drinking water, follow the guidance provided here: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/disinfecting-drinking-water

Agriculture and Livestock assistance
Livestock relocation assistance is available to producers impacted by flooding. Please contact the RDOS EOC for information about agricultural support.

Electoral Area H (Rural Princeton) Tulameen and Coalmont

An Evacuation Alert was issued at 10:00 am on November 18, 2021 for 265 addresses.
A small number of homes are without power.
Search and Rescue and RCMP visited properties in the area to conduct wellness checks, and provide information and assistance leaving the area if required.
Please visit Interior Health for more info and be aware of contaminated wells. If you require assistance, please contact the EOC immediately.
If you or your neighbour are in harm’s way, please call 9-1-1.

East Gate

If you are in this community and require assistance, please contact the EOC. Access in and out of East Gate is available to the east on highway 3 and north to highway 5A to Kelowna.
Power is still a concern in the community.

Electoral Area B (Cawston)

A small number of properties remain on Evacuation Order in the Chopaka area.
An Evacuation Alert remains in effect along the Similkameen River.
Evacuation Alerts and Orders are being assessed and will be rescinded when safe to do so.

Electoral Area G (Rural Keremeos)

Evacuation Orders remain in place for two RV parks west of Keremeos.
Evacuation Alert remains in effect along the Similkameen River.
Evacuation Alerts and Orders are being assessed and will be rescinded when safe to do so.

Village of Keremeos