Emergency Planning

Seasonal Flood Preparedness

Property owners / residents of the District of Coldstream are reminded that they are responsible for all measures required for flood protection of private property. While the Province does not currently predict severe or widespread flooding, warmer temperatures and an elevated snowpack could threaten homes along rivers and creeks, or that have a history of flooding. Therefore, North Okanagan Emergency Management (NOEM) is advising residents in these areas to consider their own risk for flooding and to take preventative action now, in advance of any possible flooding. To assist Coldstream property owners in protecting their homes, a free supply of sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Kalamalka Road, across from Postill Drive
• Lavington Area - School Road across from Jeffers Park
• Westkal Road, at the Kickwillie Loop Road intersection

Filling and placing of sandbags are the responsibility of property owners / residents. Click here to view a video on how to fill sandbags.

If an emergency should arise due to flooding, please call the Public Works Department at 250-550-1505 Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, or after hours at 250-542-7600.

Personal and home preparedness is necessary as well. Make certain that your family has a Grab n' Go bag prepared that contains sufficient supplies for at least a three-day period and that important documents are stored in watertight containers. Grab n' Go bags should include things like a change of clothes, a flashlight, drinking water, snacks and medications and personal documents. Because there is minimal assistance available for flooding, NOEM urges everyone to seek clarification on coverage from their insurance company before anything happens. Planning for the evacuation and care of livestock and pets is also critical.

More information on flood risk and precautions, personal and home preparedness (including maps showing the location of the flood plains in the province), and a more complete list of Grab n' Go kit essentials can be found at www.pep.bc.ca/floods/. These links are also found on the North Okanagan Emergency Management website at www.vernon.ca/em/. To report a serious flood situation, please call the Provincial Emergency Program at 1 800 663 3456.