Monday, November 22, 2021 4:00pm

The Regional District of the 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.

DriveBC has provided information regarding a washout and mudslide on Highway 3 that has closed traffic in both directions.

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. Please review the RDA section of this document for assessment categories.

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 visit Technical Safety BC online.

Rapid Damage Assessment Categories

With the many homes impacted, various Placards have been issued. For steps and protocols associated with the Placard,s please visit the Recovery section of the EOC website under the Resources tab: https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca

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:

• CARO Analytical Services 250-765-9646
• ALS Environmental 250-372-3588

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

Evacuation Alerts and Orders

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.

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.

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)
See the Disaster Financial Assistance webpage for more info.

Insurance

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) 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.

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.

EOC Update: regional overview Sunday, November 21, 2021 10:30 am

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

Issued by EOC Director