The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has issued an evacuation order for properties along the Tulameen River in Electoral Area H.
The order was issued under the Emergency Program Act and RCMP will be expediting this action.
Information, resources and links for information updates are available online at the regional district’s Emergency Operations Centre, at emergency.rdos.bc.ca/resources/.
An interactive map of evacuation orders and alerts in the regional district is available at emergency.rdos.bc.ca/interactive-map/
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All evacuees are asked to register online with the Emergency Support Services Evacuee Registration and Assistance tool even if they do not require referrals such as housing or other services. The website is ess.gov.bc.ca.
Due to a shortage of hotel accommodations, evacuees are asked to consider making arrangements to stay with family or friends if possible, and to take pets with them if possible.
Those who require services or information are asked contact Emergency Support Services if you are unable to register online. The telephone number is 1-833-498-3770.
Those who have pets or livestock that need to be cared for and billeted, please contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team for support at 250-809-7152.
Emergency Support Services volunteers will be able to assist evacuees to meet basic needs by providing services for up to 72 hours. This may include coordinating food, clothing, lodging and transportation.
Within the regional district area, ALERT provides assistance with pet and animal care.
Beyond 72 hours, Emergency Support Services volunteers may provide additional support or referral to the Canadian Red Cross. An Emergency Support Services volunteer will return your call within 24 to 48 hours.
Those who are evacuated from their homes are urged to register for CivicReady to receive notifications by phone, email and text. The site is at emergency.rdos.bc.ca/civicready-mass-notification-system
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO WHEN AN EVACUATION ORDER IS ISSUED
• You must leave the area immediately.
• Follow directions of emergency responders and travel designated or safest route available.
• Register as an evacuee at the designated Reception Centre or online: ess.gov.bc.ca
• If you need transportation assistance from evacuation area, call the regional district’s Emergency Operations Centre at 250-490-4225
• If you identify as having extraordinary needs, contact the regional district’s Emergency Operations Centre for assistance.
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Please store your firearms in accordance with Section 118 of the Firearms Act.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and, if you have room, take a neighbor or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
• Take critical items only if they are immediately available. These include government-issued identification, medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers such as insurance, credit, and mortgage information and immediate care needs for dependents
• Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
Pet owners and hobby farmers with concerns for their animals should make arrangements when an Evacuation Alert is issued.
Animal Emergency Response Team (ALERT) can help. The telephone number is 250-809-7152
Farmers who require assistance, please call the regional district’s Emergency Operations Centre at 250-490-4225
Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
Those under the evacuation order must leave the area immediately.
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