Properties within the boundaries of the City of Penticton are not currently under threat of a wildfire but with yesterday’s declaration of a provincial state of emergency, the City would like to take this opportunity to remind residents how to stay informed and be prepared in the event of a wildfire or emergency.
Stay informed
Once a wildfire threat within municipal boundaries is confirmed, the City will issue announcements, evacuation alerts and orders as required through the City’s website, social media accounts and local news media (radio, newspaper, internet and television) to inform the community. Please refer to the City's channels listed below for current information about the wildfire threat and follow the instructions provided if you would like to receive these notices directly:
- Subscribe for email updates from the City of Penticton at www.penticton.ca/subscribe
- Download the City of Penticton app for updates straight to your cellphone (available from Google Play or the App Store)
- Follow the City of Penticton on Facebook: City of Penticton – Municipality
- Follow the City of Penticton on Twitter: @cityofpenticton or @pentictonfire
- Call the City’s Emergency Call Centre at 250-490-2345 to hear a recorded update.
Current information about the status of a wildfire may also be available from these sources:
- Follow the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen on Twitter and Facebook
- Follow the BC Wildfire Service on Twitter
All of the announcements, alerts and orders issued by the City will be stored centrally at www.penticton.ca/wildfireupdates along with information about other resources and supports relevant to the active emergency. The City may supplement these communications with additional activities such as news conferences and activating the Emergency Call Centre as the situation requires.
Be Prepared
In addition to staying informed, the City also encourages residents to take steps now to be prepared for an emergency. Visit www.penticton.ca/emergencypreparedness for tips including:
- Make your household plan
- Prepare your 72-hour emergency kit
- Collect important documents
- Create a list of key contacts
- Plan for children, seniors and family members with special needs
- Plan for your pets
- Understand your insurance coverage
- Reduce the wildfire risk
- What to do if you receive an evacuation order
In the event you are evacuated from your home, emergency support is provided by Emergency Support Services (ESS) for up to 72 hours. If eligible, you may receive support such as lodging, food, and clothing and other specialized services. To receive these services during an evacuation, you need to register online when you are put on Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. Information about ESS can be found at www.penticton.ca/emergency-updates.