INFORMATION RELEASE                                                                                                         

Tuesday, November 30, 2021 12:15 pm

EOC Update: regional overview

The BC River Forecast Centre issued a flood watch at 9:45am for the Tulameen and Similkameen river. Please check their mapping system for the latest flood warnings and advisories for the Tulameen River and Similkameen River in Electoral Area H.

- Flood Warning advisory means riverbanks are full and flooding will result in areas adjacent to affected rivers.

- Flood Watch advisory means riverbanks are nearing full and may result in flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) continues to actively respond, monitor and assess highway closures due to flooding. For the latest information, please visit CURRENT ROAD ADVISORIES AND INFORMATION from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Evacuation Alerts and Orders

Reminder that 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.

Flood Zones

BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)would like to advise the public to be aware of the risks before re-entering a flood zone. Learn about some key hazards to be aware of when entering a flood zone. For more information Flood zones are danger zones (bccdc.ca)

Sandbagging

There are 6 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:

• Village of Keremeos - 1st Ave. & Hwy 3A - Keremeos Irrigation Pump Station
• Area B - Chopaka Rd Cawston
• Area H - 132 1 St. - Tulameen Fire Hall
• Area H - Chuchuwayha Hall - 5771 Highway 3
• Area H - Fire Hall Eastgate
• Area H - San Ang, East of Princeton

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

New Voyent Alert! Mass Notification System

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is transitioning to Voyent Alert! notifications in early December 2021. The new Voyent Alert! system uses geo-targeted technology to pinpoint exact properties, rather than notifying the entire Electoral Area.

If you are subscribed to CivicReady, your information will be automatically migrated to Voyent Alert! If you have not provided a civic address, you will be assigned a general location which may not provide the most accurate notifications relevant to you. You can update your account to include the address of the property you want to receive alerts for by visiting: https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/client.html#!/login

For email, text, or phone notifications, get started here:

https://voyent-alert.com/ca/community/#registration

Receive notifications for critical events, wildfires, and flooding, as well as day-to-day communications such as garbage and recycling information, water and sewer notices, and public engagement opportunities.

Please note, during the transition period, emergency notifications will be sent using both CivicReady and Voyent Alert!

For further information or account support, please call the RDOS at 250-492-0237.

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.

For further information, please call the EOC during regular business hours Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.  In the case of an emergency or danger to life and safety, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

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.

Issued by EOC Director