EOC Update: regional overview Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021 17:15 pm

News Article
Published: November 23, 2021

INFORMATION RELEASE                                                                                                         

Tuesday, November 23, 2021 17:15 pm

EOC Update: regional overview

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) is reminding residents and visitors about the dangers of fast-moving water. Please avoid all unnecessary travel. If you must leave your current location, check drivebc.ca for the latest updates.  

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued public weather alerts for the province, including snowfall warnings over the next couple of days which may have further impacts on some areas already flooded.

Sandbagging
There are 4 locations available for sandbags. Sandbags are available to those who need to protect homes, businesses and properties. Collection points can be seen on RDOS mapping – details are below:

  • Princeton San Ang Way East of Princeton
  • 132 1 St. - Tulameen Fire Hall
  • Upper Similkameen Indian Band
  • 1st Ave. & Hwy 3A - Keremeos Irrigation Pump Station

Learn how to take necessary steps to protect homes and property from flooding with sandbags with these instructional videos.

Evacuation Alerts and Orders

All Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in place within the 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.

Additional Financial Supports for those of Evacuation Order due to flooding

Financial assistance will be provided by the Red Cross to people whose primary residences have been placed on evacuation orders due to the flooding and extreme weather event that occurred Nov. 14-16, 2021. Eligible households will receive $2,000.

To access these supports, evacuated British Columbians need to register with the Red Cross by calling    1 800 863-6582, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time).

B.C. flooding evacuees to get additional financial support | BC Gov News

Transport

DriveBC has provided information regarding a washout and mudslide on Highway 3 Expect Major delays due to congestion. The highway remains open for essential travel only.

Rapid Damage Assessments for homes
The RDOS EOC, with support from BC Wildfire Service, continue to conduct Rapid Damage Assessments (RDA) throughout the region. At this time, RDA’s have been completed for the communities of Tulameen and Coalmont.

With the many homes impacted, various Placards have been issued. For steps and protocols associated with the Placards please visit the EOC website for home Recovery Information and the checklist for re-entry.

For additional info, visit the EOC website under the Resources tab: https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)

Visit Disaster Financial Assistance webpage for more info. 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.

Please see the DFA Q&A for further information

Insurance

Contact Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) www.ibc.ca or call 1-844-227-5422.

Protocol for Electrical and Gas

Technical Safety BC would like to remind homeowners and business to take precautions with gas and electrical in your homes when you have been impacted by floods. For related safety protocols, please visitTechnical Safety BC online.

Drinking Water and Testing

The Province of BC is advising that drinking-water wells in flooded areas of B.C. may be at risk of contamination. Home water testing for properties is recommended and is the responsibility of the home or property owner. For water testing support, please contact:

The following Health Authority resources will you help assess and take appropriate action to ensure safe water: Information on drinking-water wells in flooded areas of B.C. | BC Gov News

Emergency Support Services

If your property is under Evacuation Alert or Order due to flooding, self-register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) at ess.gov.bc.ca to report that you have safely left the area or call 1-833-498-3770.

By registering, you will be eligible for emergency shelter and food if you have not made other arrangements.

Please be advised, ESS is working toward contacting individuals within 24-48 hours.

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.

Donations and Assistance

To donate to the Canadian Red Cross’s British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather Appeal, click here;  call (toll-free) 1 800 418-1111; or texting BCFLOODS to 30333.

Support the Princeton Food Bank for support for residents in need in the Princeton area.

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.

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.

www.rdos.bc.ca  | https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca

Issued by EOC Director

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