Courtesy of the Government of BC:
The Government of British Columbia is urging caution and encouraging the public to prepare for localized flooding, as water levels are rising in the interior of the province due to increased precipitation, an above average snowpack and increased snowmelt.
An evacuation order for 148 properties in Tulameen has been issued by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), and the remainder of the town is under evacuation alert. An emergency social services reception centre is set up at the Riverside Community Centre, 148 Old Hedley Rd., Princeton. Any affected residents staying with family or friends are asked to register as soon as possible by visiting the reception centre, or by calling the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre at 250 490-4225. Up-to-date information is available on the RDOS website: www.rdos.bc.ca
An evacuation order has been put in place for 47 properties by the Cariboo Regional District, due to immediate danger from flooding. An emergency social services reception centre is set up in the Quesnel Recreation Centre at 500 North Star Rd. Up-to-date information is available on the Cariboo Regional District website: www.cariboord.ca
Other areas of the B.C. Central and Southern Interior are also experiencing flooding and slope instability. Evacuation orders are in place for the Killiney Beach area in the Central Okanagan, and the Sportsman Bowl area north of Oliver. Emergency operations centres are currently activated in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, the Central Okanagan Regional District and the Cariboo Regional District.
The River Forecast Centre has issued a flood warning for the Nazko River and West Road River, and is maintaining a flood watch for the Central Interior, including the Bonaparte River and tributary rivers around Cache Creek, Merritt, Williams Lake, Quesnel and surrounding areas. There is also a high streamflow advisory for the South Interior, Boundary, Kootenay and Peace Regions.
Any local authority or First Nations community that is experiencing flooding is advised to call Emergency Management BC at 1 800 663-3456 for support.
Here are five tips that can help to prepare you and your family for potential flooding:
1. Steer clear of river and lake shorelines:
Keep away from river edges and shorelines. During periods of high flow, river banks may be unstable and more prone to sudden collapse. Stay well away, and keep young children and pets away from the banks of fast-flowing streams and flooded areas or bridges.
2. Recognize the danger signs:
If you live near a waterway, a change in water colour or rapid change in water level (especially a drop) could indicate a problem upstream. Call your local fire, police or public works department immediately if you suspect something out of the ordinary.
3. Do not drive through flood water:
Never attempt to drive or walk in flood water. A mere six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pick-up trucks.
If you face a threatening flood situation, park vehicles away from streams and waterways, move electrical appliances to upper floors and make sure to anchor fuel supplies. Listen to local officials if you are asked to evacuate.
4. Protect your home:
The public is advised to prepare for possible flooding of low-lying areas by moving equipment and other assets from these areas to higher ground, where possible. Clear perimeter drains, eavesthroughs and gutters. Sandbags can also help, and can be made available through your local government.
5. Landslide risk:
Heavy snowmelt may contribute to landslides and dangerous debris in creeks and waterways. Be safe, and do not go down to watch the rushing water. If trees are beginning to lean or bend near your home, or cracks are developing in the hillside, consult an engineer or contact local authorities.
Learn More:
For information on flood-related evacuation alerts and orders, visit: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
or follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC
PreparedBC is British Columbia's one-stop shop for disaster readiness information. For tips on how to prepare an emergency plan and what to include in an emergency kit, visit PreparedBC: www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC
Flood prevention tips can be found at: http://ow.ly/E2JV30bttgr
The PreparedBC Flood Information for Homeowners and Home Buyers guide: http://ow.ly/t4lg30bttjr
River Forecast Centre link: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/
Floodwaters can quickly wash out roads and bridges. Be prepared and plan an alternative route. For the latest road conditions, visit: www.drivebc.ca
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