EOC Update: Emergency Support Services and regional overview

News Article

Thursday, November 18, 2021 11:20 am

EOC Update: flooding overview and recovery

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre (RDOS EOC) is working with Indigenous communities, member municipalities, fire departments, and community partners to ensure the safety of residents and provide the necessary supplies.

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

Please avoid working in or around fast-moving water and be aware of fallen or unstable trees and utility poles, damaged gas and power lines, and water and sewage contamination.

Clean-up after a flood

Know the hazards and when it is safe to return home. Visit HealthLinkBC for important links and information.

Property Damage

If you have identified damage to your property please notify us 250-490-4225. We are aiming to provide rapid damage assessments as soon as soon as it is safe to do so.

Recovering after a flood

Returning home after widespread flooding can be overwhelming. Use caution and take it one step at a time. Visit the Province of BC website for important links and information.

The RDOS EOC is actively working to assess flooded communities across the region and to ensure the safety of people impacted by widespread flooding.

Emergency Support Services

If your property is under Evacuation Order or Alert due to flooding, please register with the Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) tool ess.gov.bc.ca or call 1-833-498-3770.

Emergency Support Services renewals

If you are under evacuation and require continued evacuation support, please call 1-833-498-3770. Please only call if your status is within 24 hours of expiring and continued support is required.

Donations and Assistance

To offer donations to people in need, please contact https://www.redcross.ca/

Please contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) to support animal welfare, rescue, and shelter of domestic animals and livestock during a disaster.

Drinking Water

If you are unsure about the safety of your drinking water, follow the guidance given here: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/disinfecting-drinking-water

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)

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.

Agriculture and Livestock assistance

Livestock relocation assistance is available to producers impacted by flooding.

Please contact the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen EOC and they can connect you with agricultural support.   For more information on livestock relocation visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/business-market-development/emergency-management/livestock-relocation

Electoral Area H (Rural Princeton) Tulameen and Coalmont

An Evacuation Alert was issued at 10am on 18 November for 265 Properties with Addresses.

Search and Rescue are in the community advising residents and visitors. Please visit Interior Health for more info and be aware of contaminated wells. If you are in these communities and require assistance, please contact the EOC immediately. If you or your neighbour are in harm’s way, please call 9-1-1.

East Gate

  • The community is still without power. If you are in this community and require assistance, please contact the EOC. Access in and out of East Gate is available to the east on highway 3 and north to highway 5A to Kelowna.

Electoral Area B (Cawston)

  • A small number of properties remain on Evacuation Order in the Chopaka area.
  • An Evacuation Alert remains in effect along the Similkameen River.
  • Evacuation Alerts and Orders are being assessed and will be rescinded when safe to do so.

Electoral Area G (Rural Keremeos)

  • Evacuation Orders remain in place for two RV parks west of Keremeos.
  • Evacuation Alert remains in effect along the Similkameen River.
  • Evacuation Alerts and Orders are being assessed and will be rescinded when safe to do so.

Village of Keremeos

  • Evacuation Order RESCINDED Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

Town of Princeton

  • Evacuation Alerts and Orders remain in effect.
  • Please visit www.princeton.ca or call 250-295-3135 for more information.

Visit http://emergency.rdos.bc.ca for helpful links and information, or call the EOC: 250-490-4225

Click the interactive map for current information including Evacuation Orders and Alerts.  

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

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