INFORMATION RELEASE                                                                                                         

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) has issued an Evacuation Order in Electoral Area “G” (rural Keremeos) due to a rockslide. 

A geotechnical assessment of the situation will be conducted to determine next steps. There is currently no timeline on when the Evacuation Order will be rescinded or downgraded to an Evacuation Alert. 

An Evacuation Order was issued on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 12:30 am for two properties located at 3455 and 3491 Highway 3, west of the Village of Keremeos. The Evacuation Order was posted on RDOS web and social media channels and distributed via the Voyent Alert! notification system. 

Power outage Electoral Area "G" (rural Keremeos)
The RDOS is aware of a power outage impacting FortisBC customers. Residents are reminded to use safe practices to stay warm during the outage. Never use charcoal or gas barbecues, camping heating equipment, or home generators indoors.

Ensure your carbon monoxide detector is working and has a battery-power backup if hard-wired to your home’s electrical supply. When using generators, please ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and is operated outdoors away from doors or windows.

For further information about safety precautions, visit the FortisBC website: www.fortisbc.com. For the latest updates on FortisBC outages, visit: https://outages.fortisbc.com/Outages.

TELUS service outage – Keremeos, Electoral Area “G”
TELUS services are currently experiencing a disruption impacting landline phones in Keremeos, Electoral Area “G” due to the rockslide, which may affect your ability to reach emergency (911) services. Impacted services include 911 Landline, Internet, Home Phone, and Optik/PIK TV. TELUS mobility services are not affected.

Due to safety reasons, service technicians are standing down, and will continue to work with local authorities to ensure safe access to the site as quickly as possible. There is currently no estimated time of restoration.

For further information, please visit https://www.telus.com/en/bc/outages

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
For the latest updates on local highways, please visit DriveBC.ca. 

Residents on Evacuation Order can call 250-486-1890 for Emergency Support Services (ESS)
If your property is on Evacuation Alert or Order, of if you have been displaced from your home due to an emergency, please self-register for ESS. Evacuees can self-register online through Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA): ess.gov.bc.ca 

If you are on Evacuation ORDER, please consider making arrangements to stay with family or friends. 

Voyent Alert! Notifications
Click here to register for routine and emergency notifications via email, text, or telephone or download the app. You can find a link to Voyent Alert! on the RDOS website: www.rdos.bc.ca. 

Disaster Psychosocial Team
If you require support, please call the Disaster Psychosocial Team toll-free at 1-888-686-3022 or Wellness Together Canada at 1-866-585-0445. 

For the latest updates on Evacuation ALERTS and ORDERS, please visit emergency.rdos.bc.ca. 

For further information, please call the EOC at 250-490-4225. In the case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. 

Issued by EOC Director