The City received approximately 75 calls about flooding today and crews will have completed rapid damage assessments of all locations this evening. Clean up of most roads and intersections has also been completed. The City’s Emergency Operations Centre will monitor the phone line (250-490-2307 ext. 7) throughout the night to respond to any further calls from residents experiencing flooding who are concerned about the safety of their homes. The City reminds everyone to check on their family, friends and neighbours to ensure their well-being and offer support.
Residents affected by flooding
Residents whose properties were affected by today’s flooding are encouraged to review the PreparedBC Flood Preparedness Guide for important information about what to do following a flood. Some items to consider include:
- Returning home after a flood can pose health and safety risks. Ensure your home is safe and cleared of structural, electrical or other hazards.
- Before you start your clean-up activities, call your insurance representative or company. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims service. If they have questions about insurance, can call Insurance Bureau of Canada: 1-844-2ask-IBC / 1-844-227-5422
- You may see or smell mould on clothing, drywall, furniture and may also be hidden under or behind items like carpet, cushions or walls, consider seeking professional assistance to identify the right corrective actions.
- Follow proper procedures for cleaning your home. Scrub all washable surfaces with a household bleach solution or unscented soap solution.
- Mould cannot be properly cleaned from many porous materials. Instead, dispose of materials that cannot be dried within 48 hours.
- Fear and anxiety are natural reactions to stressful events. Accept offers of help and offer support. Crisis lines are available to listen and help any time.
- BC Mental Health Support Line available 24 hours a day at 310-6789
- KUU-US Indigenous Crisis at Line at 1-800-588-8717
Reminders for all community members
The City would like to remind all residents of the following:
- Residents experiencing flooding and who have concerns about the safety of their homes are asked to contact 250-490-2307 ext. 7 to receive a rapid damage assessment by the Penticton Fire Department.
- The Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre has been opened at 199 Ellis St in Penticton for those who have been advised to evacuate by the Penticton Fire Department. Anyone evacuated by the Penticton Fire Department is asked to register with the Emergency Support Services Reception Centre.
- Sandbags are available at the Public Works Yards Building at 616 Okanagan Ave.
- Residents are asked to exercise extreme caution near fast-flowing creeks and to be aware of potential slides on hillsides.
- Driving conditions may be dangerous in some areas of the city due to pooling water, gravel and debris on roads and potential slides.
- Be sure to have an emergency plan to prepare for a flood. Your emergency plan should include meeting places, how you will communicate, and where to find information. Make grab-and-go bags with supplies everyone in your household will need while aware from home.
More detailed information about what to do to prepare for flooding can be found in PreparedBC’s Flood Preparedness Guide.