Emergency Updates

In the case of an active emergency, try the following resources for updates.

• Subscribe for email updates from the City of Penticton
• Download the City of Penticton app for updates straight to your cellphone (available from Google Play or the App Store)
• Facebook: follow City of Penticton – Municipality
• Twitter: @cityofpenticton or @pentictonfire
• RDOS website, Facebook and Twitter

For information about the status of a wildfire, please look to the BC Wildfire Service. 

• Facebook (@BCForestFireInfo)
• Twitter (@BCGovFireInfo)

There are currently no wildfires within the City of Penticton.  The Keremeos Creek wildfire is located within the RDOS, with updates on that fire available on their Emergency Operations Centre website. The following resources provide information about fires throughout B.C., air quality and other trip-planning services.

Air Quality / Smoke

• Frequently asked questions: Smoky Skies
• BC Air Quality Health Index for your area
• BC Centre for Disease Control – wildfire smoke and its health impacts
• BC Centre for Disease Control – wildfires and COVID-19
• HealthLinkBC – particulate matter and outdoor air pollution
• FireWork – daily smoke forecast maps

 
Webcams

See what real-time conditions are like in Penticton right now, keeping in mind that conditions can change frequently.

Wildfire News and Travel

• BC Wildfires
  • Interactive Wildfire Map
  • Wildfires of Note
• Okanagan Falls & Regional District: RDOS website, Emergency RDOS. Facebook and Twitter
• Emergency Services BC - latest evacuation orders
• Plan your drive with Drive BC

Residents affected by the Evacuation Alert are asked to stay calm and prepare to leave their homes as required. An Evacuation Alert is intended to allow people time to prepare their identification documents, medications, change of clothes and make plans with family members so they can leave their homes quickly and safely. 

Download this helpful Wildfire Evacuation Checklist chart for last-minute steps. Important: You do not have to turn off your household electricity or air conditioning and do not turn off the gas during an alert. If you turn off the gas now, the gas company may have to reconnect it, which may take time.

During an evacuation alert, you are also encouraged to  pre-register with ESS (Emergency Support Services) over their website.

Is your home FireSmart? There are some simple steps on the Fire Department's Wildfire Prevention page to help minimize risk at your home from flying debris and embers.

Get prepared to leave your home on short notice. Get your 72 Hour Emergency Kit ready. Visit the Emergency Preparedness page for a list of steps to ensure you will be ready to leave if needed at a moment's notice. 

If an evacuation order is given, residents must:

• Leave the area immediately.
• Follow the directions of emergency responders and travel the designated or safest route available. 
• Self-register as an evacuee with Emergency Support Services (ESS) by visiting https://ess.gov.bc.ca/.  If you do not have access to the Internet, go to 199 Ellis Street, Penticton, BC.
• COVID-19 protocols are in place. If you have symptoms or are self-isolating, please do not attend the reception centre. Call 8-1-1 for direction.
• Shut off all gas and electrical appliances, other than refrigerators and freezers. Technical Safety BC offers some great tips involving what to do with your electrical and gas.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Please store your Fire Arms in accordance with Section 118 of the Fire Arms Act.
• Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
• Gather your family and if you have room, take a neighbour or someone needing transportation. Do not use more vehicles then you have to.
• Take critical items only if they are immediately available:
  • Government issued ID
  • Medications
  • Eyeglasses
  • Valuable papers (e.g. insurance, credit, and mortgage information)
  • Immediate care needs for dependents
• Take pets in pet kennels or on a leash.
  • Pet owners and hobby farmers with concerns for their animals: Contact Animal Emergency Response Team (ALERT) at 250-809-7152.
• Farmers who require assistance call the RDOS EOC.
• Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.

Are you at risk of being evacuated due to wildfire? Here are some last-minute actions you can take. Also download the FireSmart evacuation checklist.

Note: You do not have to turn off your household electricity or air conditioning and do not turn off the gas during an evacuation alert. Technical Safety BC offers some great tips involving what to do with your electrical and gas.

Community-based provincial emergency response program designed to assist those affected by an emergency or disaster, whether that be a single house fire or a major disaster involving mass evacuations, such as the interface wildfires or flooding of 2017 and 2018.

In British Columbia, local authorities must coordinate the provision of food, clothing, shelter, transportation and medical services to victims of emergencies and disasters, whether that provision is made from within or outside the local authority.

The goal of ESS is to help people begin to re-establish themselves as quickly as possible after a disaster. 

For smaller events, ESS services may be provided on site. For larger events, ESS will often have a reception centre established.

ESS is generally available for a maximum of 72 hours. During these first 72 hours evacuees should immediately plan their next steps by contacting their insurance agents, families and friends or accessing other possible resources.  Emergency Management BC (EMBC) may extend ESS under exceptional circumstances.

Primary services provided by ESS are:

• Temporary lodging (these are determined on a case-by-case basis)
• Food
• Clothing and incidentals (such as toiletries)

Specialized services that may be coordinated on a case-by-case basis:

• Emotional support
• First aid and other health services
• Pet care
• Transportation

Reception Centre

A reception centre is a safe place where people can go to receive in-person services that vary depending on the type of emergency. They are often located in community centres, recreation centres, churches or schools.

In many cases, homeowners or tenant insurance held by the evacuees will provide greater support than what is available through this program. If you are evacuated please consult with your insurance provider to determine what may be available to you.

There are specific condition requirements to be eligible for these supports. For example, if you are self-sufficient (such as having appropriate insurance or the means to support yourself for those first 72 hours), you would not be eligible for ESS. 

Following a disaster, the Government of B.C. may declare the event eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance. Once declared, the DFA program may compensate individuals for essential uninsurable losses and may reimburse local governments for damaged infrastructure. Contact your local authority if you have been impacted by a disaster or emergency event. You can also consult the current list of events eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance within B.C.

Fear, stress and anxiety are natural reactions to a traumatic event. Eventually, these feelings will diminish and, for most people, completely subside. To help yourself and your loved ones:

• Accept and offer help and comfort; seek counselling if necessary
• Focus on positive memories and the skills you’ve used to get through other hard times
• Be aware of your child’s reactions: reassure them and encourage them to express themselves
• Give yourself and your family permission to grieve and time to heal
• Get physical activity, but rest as needed, eat well, hydrate and keep a manageable schedule

Source: Find out more on the Government of BC’s Guide to Disaster Recovery

Your home and its surroundings may not look like they did before you left. As you arrive, it’s important to obey all signage and understand Damage Assessment Placards, which are notices that the local government places on buildings within the damaged area. They tell you whether a structure is suitable for re-entry, if access is restricted or if it is unsafe to enter.

Visit BC Housing for more information on placards. If you can only enter your home once, remove your valuables and take steps to secure your property.

If you’re safely able to return for longer:

• Bring supplies like a flashlight, tools, drinking water, gloves, garbage bags and a first aid kit.
• Walk around the perimeter of any structure before entering, noting electrical wiring, any gas smell or debris that could fall, and photographing damage.
• Enter with caution and check that the main power breaker is off.
• Only use generators outdoors; do not connect to a household circuit.
• Note sewage and water damage; your septic system or sump pump may not work without power and water may not be potable (that is, may not be safe to consume).
• Do not use your sewage disposal system unless you know it’s capable of handling waste.
• If using propane, gas or heating oil, contact suppliers for inspection and service.
• Take pictures, keep track of your expenses and the time you spend cleaning up and make sure you keep your receipts.

Source: Find out more on the Government of BC’s Guide to Disaster Recovery

Following a flood, do not drink tap water unless local officials have assured you that it’s safe for drinking. Obtain bottled water, or boil or disinfect tap water with tablets (or chlorine bleach for non-drinking needs). If you are on a well or cistern and it has been damaged, assume the water is not safe to drink. Discard food that is spoiled, as well as food that has been stored in a refrigerator that has lost power, even if the power has since been restored. When in doubt, throw it out.

Source: Find out more on the Government of BC’s Guide to Disaster Recovery

The steps you’ll need to take to clean your home will depend on the damage it has faced. Read this helpful Guide to Disaster Recovery for tips for restoring your home after a flood or fire.

If your residence is in a low-lying area and is at risk of flooding, sandbags can be used to protect your property. Sandbags are available for residents at the Public Works Yards Building at 616 Okanagan Avenue.

Read the Government of BC’s tips for sandbagging.

Residents whose properties were affected by 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

The City’s Emergency Operations Centre phone line continues to be available to residents affected by flooding. Please call 250-490-2307 ext. 7 if you have any questions or concerns.

What’s next?

The City is currently assessing the impacts of the rain event and determining next steps and support for residents if required. Follow the City’s website and social media channels for current information about the City’s response to the flood. You can also subscribe to receive updates directly at penticton.ca/subscribe.

Before you begin cleaning, open all interior and exterior doors and windows, allowing air to flow freely through the space. Do not use fans if mould is present, as this can spread the mould to new areas.

Mould that comes back after cleaning is usually an indication that the source of moisture has not been removed. If this happens, always seek professional assistance.

Scrub all washable surfaces with a household bleach solution or unscented soap solution. These areas include window sills, concrete surfaces, hard surfaces and tiles. Dry the surfaces quickly.

Painting or caulking over mouldy surfaces like drywall does not kill mould or stop it from growing back. If the mould is underneath the paint, the drywall will need to be removed and replaced.

Visit the PreparedBC website for full details

Before you start your cleanup activities, call your insurance representative or company. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims service. Be as detailed as possible when providing information.

List all damaged or destroyed items. If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Take photos of the damage. Keep all receipts related to clean up and living expenses if you’ve been displaced. Ask your insurance representative about what expenses you may be entitled to and for how long

If you do not know the name of your insurer or your insurance representative, contact Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-227-5422.

Source: Prepared BC 

For local information and updates involving flooding, visit our Flood Preparedness & Response page. 

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: Find out more on the Government of BC's Flooding Preparedness page.

If your business is prepared, you’ll be in a stronger position to act swiftly, minimizing disruption and loss of revenue.

Visit our Business Emergency Preparedness page and review the helpful checklists to get started on your Business Continuity Plan and other important procedures. It may just be the best investment in time your business will make this year.