The Town of Osoyoos is under a state of local emergency due to imminent threat of flooding and rising lake levels.
Property owners along Osoyoos Lake are warned that due to heavy rains, thunderstorms, warm weather and snow melt the lake could potentially reach 916 feet or higher. Last year the lake peaked at 914.88 feet.
The alert is to enable the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the municipality to order the evacuation of residents from their homes, prohibit travel and enter private property when an emergency threatens lives, property or the environment within the local authority’s jurisdiction.
EOC Update – Town Of Osoyoos warns of Rising Lake Levels
Town of Osoyoos has declared a State of Local Emergency due to rising lake levels and flooding.https://t.co/dQ7kzfCCB5 pic.twitter.com/bwF3rorNFm— RDOS EOC (@EmergMgtRDOS) May 9, 2018
In the event that the situation deteriorates, residents will be given as much notice as possible via an advance evacuation alert which may be followed by an evacuation order.
Related: Two homes evacuated, 40 on alert in Lower Similkameen
Once evacuated, residents should leave the evacuated area immediately and register at the reception centre identified.
Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:
Highway 3 across from the Osoyoos Dairy Queen – 5914 Main St, Osoyoos
The Boat Trailer Parking lot located at Highway 3 – 6901 Main St, Osoyoos
91st street at Highway 97 (bottom of graveyard hill)
What should you do when a precautionary alert or evacuation alert is in effect:
Upon notification of an evacuation alert, residents should be prepared for immediate evacuation by:
Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a meeting place outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated;
Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), cell phone charges and immediate care needs for dependents and, if chosen, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure;
Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children;
Moving pets and livestock to a safe area;
Arranging to transport household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order.
Affected residents needing transportation assistance from the area can call the RDOS Emergency
Operations Centre at 250-490-4225;
Arranging accommodation for family members if possible. In the event of an evacuation, Reception
Centres will be opened if required. Contact 250-490-4225 for information;
Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centre
The Town of Osoyoos is asking residents to check in with neighbours to see if they require assistance in filling sandbags. Volunteers wishing to help can contact the Town of Osoyoos office at 250-495-6515 or the Emergency Operations Centre at 250-490-4225.
Kristi Patton | Editor
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