With a higher than average snowpack at the upper elevations in the Okanagan, the Central Okanagan Regional District is advising owners of property along side creeks and the lake to review their flood preparedness plans now and not wait until water levels rise.
CORD says those who’ve had issues with flooding in the past, who live next to creeks and streams or have lakefront properties should take time to review and update their plans to prepare and protect their properties from potential damage from rising water levels.
With the warmer temperatures over the past week, some creeks and streams are starting to gradually fill with mid-elevation snow melt.
The Central Okanagan Emergency Program is also reminding property owners in flood prone and low-lying areas that they are responsible for having a plan, as well as the tools and equipment necessary, to protect their properties from possible flood damage.
Local governments and the province are monitoring water levels and weather conditions in advance of the annual spring runoff. If needed, the B.C. River Forecast Centre will issue advisories, watches and warnings.
Information and pamphlets about flood preparedness, including a recommended method for sandbag diking, are available from the Regional District of Central Okanagan office at 1450 KLO Road and the main City of Kelowna fire hall on Enterprise Way. Information is also available on the Be Prepared page of the regional district's emergency program website at www.cordemergency.ca and on the Prepared BC website.
Later this spring, stockpiles of sandbags will be available at local fire halls throughout the Central Okanagan. Property owners are responsible for providing their own sand to fill the bags.
The regional district's communications department says in the event of an emergency and activation of the Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), the latest information will be available online at the EOC public information website www.cordemergency.ca and via Facebook at (www.facebook.com/CORDEmergency) and Twitter at https://twitter.com/CO_Emerg.
Central Okanagan residents are encouraged to subscribe to the the website to receive email notifications from the emergency program.