It’s unknown whether rivers, creeks and lakes will flood, but residents can take action now.
North Okanagan Emergency Management has made sand and sandbags available at a number of locations.
“Every year we do a sandbag mitigation plan,” said Brent Watson, emergency co-ordinator.
In Coldstream, sand and sandbags are available on Kalamalka Road, across from Postill Drive, and on School Road, across from Jeffers Park.
In Enderby, both items can be found at the public works yard on McGowan Street while they are in the parking lot across from the Lumby Curling Club.
Spallumcheen residents can find sand and bags at the public works yard on Eagle Rock Road and Armstrong residents can call 250-546-3023 for assistance.
Residents in the North Okanagan Regional District electoral areas can access sandbags at the fire training centre on Pottery Road.
In Vernon, there is sand and sandbags at the city yards on Pleasant Valley Road and at the corner of Okanagan Avenue and Okanagan Landing Road. Sandbags can also be picked up at the Vernon fire hall during after-hours emergencies.
“It’s all about preparedness and planning ahead,” said Watson.
“If you have a history of water on your property, now is the time to fill sandbags and not when your basement is full of water.”
The provincial government is not predicting widespread flooding at this time, but the situation could change with warmer temperatures and high snowpack.
“It is all weather dependent,” said Watson of possible flooding.
For more information, go to www.vernon.ca/em/index.hmtl
To report a serious flood situation, call the Provincial Emergency Program at 1-800-663-3456.
