Flood Preparedness & Response

If your residence is in a low-lying area and is at risk of flooding, sandbags can be used to protect your property. To fill your own sandbags, you can drop by our self-serve facility located behind Fire Hall No. 202 (285 Dawson Ave). 

Read the Government of BC’s tip sheet for sandbagging.

Visit the Fire Department’s Emergency Preparedness page for information about steps to take to prepare for any emergency. It also provides details about what to do during an emergency or an evacuation order.

Also review B.C.'s Flood Preparedness Guide for tips for how to prepare your home and property for flood.

Flooding is a common, naturally occurring event in B.C. If you face a threatening flood situation, park vehicles away from streams and waterways, move electrical appliances to upper floors and make sure to anchor fuel supplies. Listen to local officials if you are asked to evacuate.

Here are a few things you can do to the exterior of your home:

• Enhance landscaping so water drains away from the foundation.
• Ensure water from downspouts drains away from your residence.
• Clean your gutters regularly.
• Maintain your perimeter drains regularly.
• Keep nearby storm drains clear of debris.

Source: Government of BC. Find out more by reading the Province of BC's Flood Preparedness Guide.

• Visit our Emergency Updates page
• Province of BC sandbagging tips 
• Government of BC Flood Preparedness
• How to get ready before a flood 
• Flood Smart prevention tips
• Flood response tips
• The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website 

In the case of an emergency, try these sources for updates:

• Updates from authorities over radio or television
• Facebook: follow City of Penticton – Municipality (@cityofpenticton)
• Twitter: @cityofpenticton and @pentictonfire
• Central Okanagan Emergency Operation on Twitter: @CO_Emerg
• City of Penticton Emergency Reception Centre, 325 Power Street, 250-490-2345

To report flooding, contact the City at 250-490-2400 (after hours call 250-490-2324).

Call 911 if you feel your personal safety is at risk.