The Regional District of North Okanagan is cautioning residents to stay away from river and stream banks and
avoid boating over the weekend, due to special weather statement and high water levels.
After last week’s flooding and possible storm slated for Thursday afternoon, RDNO is asking residents to stay away from rivers and stream banks, and be cautious if cleaning entrances to culverts due to strong water flows.
“With the water this high, the wake created by boating can cause additional water damage to delicate, unprotected shoreline” said Alastair Crick, Regional District Protective Services Manager. “For this reason we are asking people to avoid boating this weekend, if possible.”
For residents in the regional district electoral areas, water that is threatening a home due to overflowing ditches can be reported to the Ministry of Transportation’s contractor through their 24-hour emergency number: 1-877-546-3799.
If the water is not a threat to the house, residents are asked to wait for natural dissipation of the water, as equipment and staff are limited. People are also permitted to assist in clearing small blockages in the ditches with hand tools, such as shovels, but no machinery is allowed without Ministry of Transportation authority. Any culverts or pipes beneath property access roads is not the responsibility of MoT, but the property owner; however people are being reminded to use caution if cleaning entrances to culverts due to hazardous conditions created by strong water flows.
Sand and bags, with shovels for filling bags, are available at the following locations:
For more information on protecting your home and property, visit the following resources:
To learn about protecting your home and property, download the PreparedBC Flood Information for Homeowners and Home Buyers guide: http://ow.ly/CL2g30bxlbJ;
Sandbagging tips (three languages) and video: http://ow.ly/ugNg30bxql4;
Flooding and food safety: http://ow.ly/V2T230bxqq9;
Sewage systems & flooding: http://ow.ly/iBDY30bxquM;
For information on flood conditions, visit Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/;
Flooding fact sheet: http://ow.ly/Lhhj30bzPnq.
General emergency preparedness information and resources are can be found on the B.C. Government
website at gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC.
