EOC Update: regional overview

News Article
Published: November 24, 2021

Wednesday, November 24, 2021 1:00 pm

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) is assessing Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) data across the region. Evacuation Alerts and Orders will be updated as the information is compiled.  

Potential hazards
Please be aware of potential flooding. Based on available information, including weather advisories, areas prone to flooding may flood again as the weather changes.

In the event of an emergency or danger to life and safety, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Be aware of dangerous conditions near rivers and creeks, and watch for hazards such as unstable trees and utility poles. To report potential hazards in your community, call the EOC at 250-490-4225 or email information and photographs to eocops@rdos.bc.ca.

Please avoid all unnecessary travel. If you must leave your current location, check drivebc.ca for the latest updates.

Please visit https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca for the latest updates. If you have questions or concerns about your property, please call the EOC at 250-490-4225.

The RDOS EOC is working with the Town of Princeton EOC to provide support. For the latest updates, please visit https://princeton.ca.

Sand and sandbags
Available to protect homes, businesses, and properties. Sandbagging locations are posted on the EOC website: https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca

  • San Ang Way at corner of Taylor Way, east of Princeton
  • Tulameen and District Fire Hall, 132 1st Street
  • Upper Similkameen Indian Band, behind Chuchuwayha Community Hall

(please close the gate due to horses)

  • Keremeos Irrigation Pump Station, 1st Ave. & Hwy 3A  

Sandbagging locations are supplied with sand and empty sandbags. Please arrive with proper equipment including gloves, boots, safety glasses, and a shovel. Be prepared to fill your own sandbags. Sand is not intended to be taken off-site for other purposes. Please be prepared to fill sandbags on site.

Watch the RDOS Sandbagging video on YouTube.

Donations and assistance
Please click here to donate to the Canadian Red Cross British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather appeal, call (toll-free) 1-800-418-1111, or text BCFLOODS to 30333.

Please click here to donate food or money to support the Princeton Food Bank.

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

Donation locations in Penticton (to assist residents across the region impacted by flooding)

  • Modern PURAIR (South Okanagan), 2335 Government Street, Penticton
  • Kettle Valley Memorial, 461 Dawson Avenue
  • Graphically Hip, 101-200 Waterloo Avenue
  • Granny's Summerland, 13810 BC-97 Summerland 

Donations may include cash, gas cards, water, non-perishable food, clothing, space heaters, and blankets.

Be aware of scams
Be aware of scams when making donations. Please make donations to recognized local or national charities only such as the Canadian Red Cross. Property owners are advised to use caution when hiring unknown individuals to assist with repairs or inspections. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau before paying anyone to conduct work at your home or property.

Additional financial support
Financial assistance will be provided by the Red Cross to people whose primary residence has been placed on Evacuation Order due to the flooding and extreme weather event that occurred Nov. 14-16, 2021. Eligible households will receive $2,000. 

If you are under Evacuation Order, please register for support from the Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm (pacific time).

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

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 businesses to take precautions with electrical and gas in homes impacted by flooding. For related safety protocols, please visit Technical Safety BC online.

Drinking water and testing
The Province of BC is advising that drinking-water wells in flooded areas, 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 (ESS)
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. 

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

Back