The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) is advising residents to be aware of potential flooding. Based on available information, including weather advisories, areas prone to flooding may flood again as the weather changes.

Evacuation Alerts along the Similkameen River and Tulameen River are in place to advise residents of the potential dangers of slope instability near the rivers. Properties located at higher elevations have not been identified as areas of immediate concern.

Flood Watch Advisory

The River Forecast Centre has issued a Flood Watch advisory for the Tulameen River and Similkameen River.

River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur. Rain and accompanying snow melt are expected now through Wednesday, December 1, 2021. High winds may accompany these storms on the BC Coast and parts of the BC Interior.

The River Forecast Centre may issue a Flood Warning advisory should weather conditions deteriorate. Flood Warning means that river levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently, and that flooding of areas adjacent to the rivers affected will result.

Preparing for rising water levels

• Move equipment and other materials to higher ground.
• Protect your valuables in waterproof containers. Empty crawlspaces if possible.
• Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level from a flood.
• Find your floor drain and make sure nothing is covering it like boxes, furniture or carpet.
• Check that your roof and eavestroughs are draining properly in heavy rains and that downspouts are directed well away from your home. 
• Clean leaves, garbage, ice and other debris away from the storm drains near your home.
• Buy or make an emergency kit, and keep it stocked. Families should be prepared to be self-sustaining for at least three days.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic also add hygiene items such as hand sanitizer and non-medical masks to your kit to keep your family safe during an evacuation.

Road Closures
Due to forecasted weather conditions, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has proactively closed Highway 3 between Hope and Princeton. Additional closures are also in place, check drivebc.ca for updates and closures. If you must travel, drive to current weather conditions and expect delays.

Sandbagging locations

Six locations arecurrently operational within the Regional District. Sand and sandbags are available to protect homes, businesses, and properties. Sandbagging locations are supplied with sand and empty sandbags. You must be prepared to fill your own sandbags, please arrive with proper equipment including gloves, boots, safety glasses, and a shovel. Sand is not intended to be taken off-site for other purposes.

Visit emergency.rdos.bc.ca for locations and resource information including a sandbagging video created by the Regional District. For a complete list of sandbagging locations, please visit https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca

Tulameen and Coalmont
Residents remaining in homes impacted by flooding are reminded to check in at the Tulameen and District Fire Hall. Crews continue to undertake repair work on Tulameen River Road and Coalmont Road, north of Otter Lake.

Please continue to check on neighbours and report any concerns to the RDOS EOC. In the case of an emergency or danger to life and safety, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

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.

Voyent Alert! now available for use
Once you’ve registered, you are automatically signed up for emergency notifications. If you previously subscribed to CivicReady notifications, you will be migrated to the new Voyent Alert! system beginning December 2021.Download the Voyent Alert! app at the App Store or Google Play. For email, text or phone registration get started here: https://register.voyent-alert.com

Please be proactive during the transition by regularly checking www.rdos.bc.ca for updates, and tune in to local news sources. In the event an Evacuation Order is issued, the notice is provided by authorities going door to door.

For further information, please call the EOC during regular business hours Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.

Issued by EOC Director