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

Wildfires

Incidents involving properties within Penticton will be posted on the Wildfire Updates page.  For information about the status of a wildfire, please look to the BC Wildfire Service.

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

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.

For information about the ongoing Christie Mountain wildfire, visit the Wildfire Updates webpage.

Download this helpful Wildfire Evacuation Checklist chart (for last-minute steps).

Is your home FireSmart? There are some simple steps you can take to protect your home from flying debris and embers. 

Get prepared to leave your home on short notice. Get your 72 Hour Emergency Kit ready (which should include several days of clothing, toiletries and medications), your emergency plan, copies of important documents and important mementos.

Visit the Fire Department's Emergency Preparedness page for a list of steps to ensure you will be ready to leave if needed at a moment's notice. 

Information is being provided to our residents regarding the spread of COVID-19. Watch these pages for details.

• Resource and funding information on the COVID-19 Support Toolkit
• Restart the City page
• City updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page

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
• BC RCMP on Facebook: @BCRCMPnews and Twitter: @bcRCMP
• Interior Health on Twitter: @Interior_Health and Facebook: @InteriorHealth
• Emergency Info BC (including advisories such as evacuation alerts): emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca and Twitter: @EmergencyInfoBC
• BC Interactive Wildfire Map: governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com
• DriveBC (plan your route & road closures): drivebc.ca
• City of Penticton Emergency Reception Centre, 325 Power Street, 250-490-2345

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.

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 residence is in a low-lying area and is at risk of flooding, sandbags can be used to protect your property.

During such times, the Penticton Fire Department offers a self-serve facility where you can fill your own sandbags.  Visit the Flood Preparedness & Response page for more details.

To learn about sandbagging during a flood, read the Province of BC’s sandbagging tip sheet.

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.