Know the Hazards

Local Hazards

• Wildfire

  On average there are more than 1,600 wildfires in BC every year. Sometimes they burn in areas away from homes or infrastructure, with ecological benefits to the landscape. Other times, they they can threaten peoples' homes and livelihoods. 

  The probability of damaging wildfires has increased in recent years, due in part to the effects of climate change. If you live in a high-risk area, it's important that you take the time to prepare yourself and your household. Check out PreparedBC to learn how you can prepare for wildfires, including a preparedness guide.

  For tips on how you can protect your home during a wildfire, see the Penticton FireSmart page.

• Extreme Heat

  Extreme heat events (also known as heat waves) involve high temperatures that progressively rise for multiple days and stay elevated overnight and may be combined with high humidity. During extreme heat events, individuals are at higher risk of experiencing heat-related illness and these events are responsible for the highest number of weather-related deaths annually.

  For information about City services during extreme heat, see our Beat the Heat page.

  Check out PreparedBC to learn how you can prepare for extreme heat, including a preparedness guide.

• Landslides

  What a view! But with that view comes potential risk. When residential development expands onto steep slopes, landslides become a greater hazard for both people and infrastructure. Residential developments at the base of slopes may also be at risk. 

  There are several different kinds of landslides, but generally they are defined as the downward and outward movement of debris, such as rocks, boulders, soil, sediment and logs. The  material may move by falling, toppling, sliding, spreading and flowing. The rate of movement can range from virtually imperceptible to greater than 100 km/hour and the volume of debris can range from a few cubic metres to millions of cubic metres.

  Check out PreparedBC to learn how you can prepare for landslides, including a preparedness guide.

• Flooding

  Floods are common in BC and can happen at any time of the year. The most severe floods usually occur in spring and early summer due to heavy rain and melting snow. They can also be caused by storm surges, ice jams or damage to structures like dikes or dams.

  Climate change and related extreme weather events have increased the flood risk. Rising temperatures, changing freeze-thaw cycles and rising sea levels can all contribute to flooding.

  Check out PreparedBC to learn how you can prepare for floods, including a preparedness guide.

• Extreme Cold

  Being prepared for winter weather is important. Storms can disrupt transportation and cause power outages. Cold snaps can lead to icy road conditions and challenges for maintaining indoor temperatures. It’s best to consider your home and your day-to-day activities and create plans to stay safe when there are disruptions due to winter conditions.

  Remember that gas-burning appliances such barbeques, outdoor patio heaters, and generators must not be used indoors because they create dangerous carbon monoxide.

  Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) uses a variety of alerts for severe winter weather to keep the public informed about hazardous conditions. These include:

  • arctic outflow warnings (Coastal B.C.) 
  • extreme cold warnings, and  
  • alerts for snow and freezing rain. 

  You can find all current weather alerts on the Government of Canada’s Severe Winter Weather Alerts page, and you can receive all alerts for your area through the WeatherCAN app

  For information about City services during extreme, visit the Winter Warming page.

  Check out PreparedBC learn how you can prepare for extreme cold, including a preparedness guide.

• Pandemics

  Disease outbreaks can happen suddenly and without warning, often posing a threat to public health and safety. When an outbreak is limited to a particular area, it's called an epidemic. When the outbreak spreads to the rest of the world, it becomes a pandemic.

  Check out PreparedBC learn how you can prepare for pandemics and health emergencies, including a preparedness guide.

• Flash Storms

  Because we are located in a valley, in between two large lakes, we have the potential to experience high wind events and short, intense storms, sometimes referred to as flash storms. If a severe storm is forecast, secure everything that might be blown around or torn loose. Flying objects such as garbage cans and lawn furniture can injure people and damage property.

  • If you are indoors, stay away from windows, doors and fireplaces.
  • You may want to go to the sheltered area that you and your family chose in your emergency plan.
  • If you are advised by officials to evacuate, do so. Take your grab & go bag with you.
  • Never go out in a boat during a storm. If you are on the water and you see bad weather approaching, head for shore immediately. Always check the marine forecast before leaving for a day of boating and listen to weather reports during your cruise.
  • If you are in a car, stop the car away from trees or power lines that could fall on you. Stay there until the storm subsides.

• Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis

  The City of Penticton has partnered with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) to complete a Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis (HRVA). This project is grant-funded and will take place over the next 2 years with a completion date of December, 2026.

  To stay up to date on this project please monitor the HRVA project page