Sunday, November 21, 2021 10:30 am

Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in place within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS). Use the interactive map to confirm whether your property is under Evacuation Alert or Order by typing your address into the search bar. https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca

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

If you have a coloured placard on your home, please be aware:

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 (https://ess.gov.bc.ca) or call 1-833-498-3770.

Agriculture and Livestock assistance

Livestock relocation assistance is available to producers impacted by flooding. Please contact the EOC for information about agricultural support. Please visit https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca/resources or call 250-490-4225.

Be aware of debris and hazards

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.

Prior to beginning any works around a stream, river or other waterway, you must be aware of provincial requirements and required applications and notifications. 

The RDOS EOC is working with Electoral Areas, Indigenous communities, member municipalities, fire departments, and community partners to ensure the safety of residents, provide the necessary supplies, and assist with recovery efforts.

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)

The Province of BC has approved DFA for the Interior.

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.

See the Disaster Financial Assistance webpage for more info.

Insurance

Roughly 50% of British Columbians have flood insurance on their home according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), the national association of Canada’s home and business insurers. For more information, please visit www.ibc.ca or call 1-844-227-5422.

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 other dairy animals, or home-cooked meals.

Drinking Water

Well water may be compromised after a flood and should be tested prior to consumption. 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

Transport Canada Area Restrictions

An interim restriction respecting certain flooded areas in British Columbia for all watercraft vessels has been issued by Transport Canada, including the areas of the Similkameen River and waters over the floodplains along Crowsnest Highway, from south of Hedley to the U.S. border, and Tulameen River and the waters over the floodplains in the vicinity of the village of Tulameen.

Recycle BC

Effective Monday, November 22, 2021 Recycle BC is suspending the collection of all glass and foam packaging (white and coloured) until further notice from Recycle BC Depots, including Campbell Mountain Landfill, Oliver Landfill and Keremeos Transfer Station. The suspension is due to the unprecedented flooding and resulting highway closures across British Columbia.

For further information, please call the EOC during regular business hours Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Please note, the EOC is active on Sunday, November 21, 2021.

Issued by EOC Director