Flood Preparedness & Response

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

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 

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

In the event you experienced damage to your property as a result of the heavy rain, please first contact your home insurer to initiate a claim. If you feel the City is responsible for the flooding your insurer will investigate and will send a claim to the City on your behalf. With regards to Claims Against the City of Penticton, the public can view our public page for more details here: https://www.penticton.ca/city-hall/making-claim-against-local-government.

If your insurer advises that this type of event is not covered under your policy, you may be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) if the Province declares this an eligible event.  To discuss eligibility, please contact DFA by phone at 1-888-257-4777 or by email at DFA.gov.gc.ca.  More information and links to the application for assistance can be found on their website https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/evacuation-recovery/disaster-financial-assistance#step1.

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.

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. 

Following Monday’s flash flooding, the City of Penticton’s Emergency Operations Centre is shifting the focus to recovery and support for impacted residents. In total, the EOC received 86 calls reporting flood damage and all locations have received an initial rapid damage assessment from Penticton Fire Department. The properties will be revisited to confirm conditions by the City’s Rapid Assessment Response Team. Public Works crews are also assessing the impact from the flash floods on City infrastructure and ensuring all systems are operational.

With a shift in the forecast to warmer temperatures and drier days, the flood risk has subsided and the City is standing down its emergency response. The State of Local Emergency instated to allow the City to access private property during the flash rain event has been lifted and the City’s Emergency Operations Centre is standing down. Sandbags installed to protect the Okanagan Lake Marina will be removed this week.

While the flood risk has subsided, lake levels are still high and flows in the creeks and the channel are moving fast. Residents are advised to exercise caution when floating the channel or recreating near the creeks. The City would like to thank residents for their support during this time of elevated flood risk.

Read the service announcement

Following Monday’s flash flooding, the City of Penticton’s Emergency Operations Centre is shifting the focus to recovery and support for impacted residents.

In total, the EOC received 86 calls reporting flood damage and all locations have received an initial rapid damage assessment from Penticton Fire Department. The properties will be revisited to confirm conditions.

Public Works crews are also assessing the impact from the flash floods on City infrastructure and ensuring all systems are operational.

The City of Penticton is assembling information to support residents at as they deal with the after effects of the flooding. Residents affected can also call 250-490-2307 ext. 7 with questions or visit www.penticton.ca/flooding 

Emergency Support Services has supported 16 evacuees to date. If you were told to evacuate yesterday due to the flooding, call ESS at 1-833-498-3770 and a team member will support you and your family.

Residents affected by flooding are advised to contact insurance companies immediately and consider hiring professionals for assistance with cleanup.

More information available on the Prepared BC Flood Preparedness Guide

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
• 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.
• The City of Penticton has set up a public sandbag fill site at Fire Hall Station 202 at 285 Dawson Ave. Residents are welcome to fill sandbags should they require them. 
• 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. 
 

The City’s EOC continues to respond to calls from residents about flooding caused by today’s flash rain events. The following is an update on the City’s response and guidance for residents.

• The City has declared a State of Local Emergency to allow emergency crews to enter private properties if required.
•  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.
• There are eight Penticton Fire Department crews in the community currently providing rapid damage assessments. The crews will assess if the home is safe for occupancy.
• 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.
• Residents are asked to exercise extreme caution near fast-flowing creeks and to be aware of potential slides on hillsides. 
• Driving conditions continue to be dangerous in the city due to pooling water, gravel and debris on roads and potential slides.

With more rain in the forecast, the City of Penticton is reminding residents to be prepared in the event of flooding. Please review the PreparednessBC Flood Preparedness Guide for information on what to do Before a Flood and After a Flood. 

 

Residents experiencing flooding and who have concerns about the safety of their homes are asked to contact 250-490-2307 ext. 7.

The City’s Emergency Operations Centre is responding to overland flooding from the flash rain event and are bringing in rapid damage assessment teams as well as public works to assist residents and assess impacts to public infrastructure. Sandbags are available for residents at the Public Works Yards Building at 616 Okanagan Avenue.

The City has also received reports of dangerous driving conditions on Penticton roads. Drivers should watch for pooling water, gravel, debris and large rocks. Public Works crews are clearing roads on a priority basis.

The City of Penticton Emergency Operations Centre continues to monitor water levels in Okanagan Lake.

Though the lake is above full pool, it has stabilized. Lake levels remain well below 2017's flood levels, and are still below 2020. 

With weather forecasts predicting the possibility of further rain early next week, the EOC will be prepared to react to any heavy precipitation weather and will monitor wave action on the shoreline. 
 

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The City’s Emergency Operations Centre is continuing to monitor lake levels as the rainy weather is replaced with warmer than average temperatures and further melting of the snow pack. Lake levels continue to be within the range of normal for this time of year. With the change in weather, residents are advised to consider the following:

• Creek levels are expected to rise as the snow pack melts. Please exercise caution near creek banks, particularly with children and pets, and be aware of potential hazards.
• With warmer temperatures, the City is expecting that people will want to float the channel. Floaters are reminded that the water is moving very quickly and are asked to follow these safety guidelines:
  • Be aware of your surroundings, snags under water, shoreline branches etc.
  • Wear a life jacket if you are not a swimmer or in fast moving water, like the Penticton Channel.
  • Do not tie floaties together in Penticton Channel, it’s dangerous.
  • Avoid alcohol while participating in water activities.
  • Call 911 if you are experiencing or witness a water emergency.
• Anyone boating on Okanagan Lake is reminded to keep speeds down to prevent shoreline erosion and be extra vigilant as there are many logs and other debris floating in the lake at this time. Please ensure all boats and docks are properly secured against rising water levels.
• As temperatures rise, remember not to leave children or pets in your vehicle unattended. Life-threatening effects can occur in a short time in a hot car.
• Remember your hats and sunscreen. Sun and heat related illnesses can affect everyone, use the Province’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide to get ready.

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 

With shifting weather patterns, the City of Penticton Emergency Operations Centre continues to assess monitor water levels in Okanagan Lake. 

Warmer temperatures are forecast for the start of this week, while sporadic showers remain a possibility. Lake levels continues to rise and are expected to for the immediate future. 

The EOC will monitor incoming weather and its impacts on the lake, including wind gusts and wave action on the shoreline. Lake levels still remain below 2017's flood levels, and is still below 2020. 

The City of Penticton EOC, with assistance from BC Wildfire Crews, have filled 10,000 sandbags to be deployed as needed. As well, staff are ensuring resources are in place to take quick action if the situation changes significantly. 
 

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The City of Penticton Emergency Operations Centre continues to monitor water levels in Okanagan Lake. 

Lake levels continues to rise, but the rate of rise has slowed. Lake levels still remain well below 2017's flood levels, and is still below 2020. 

The EOC continues to monitor incoming weather and its impacts on the lake, including wave action on the shoreline. 

BC Wildfire Crews have been assisting the City with sandbag operations, including 10,000 bags for reserve. Additionally bags have been placed around the Penticton Yacht Club located at a lower lying level within municipal jurisdiction as an additional precautionary measure. 
 

NEWS RELEASE

Residents are advised that the City of Penticton has activated its Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) as a proactive measure in response to rising levels on Okanagan Lake.  

While the lake levels are still within the normal range expected for this time of year, there is some uncertainty as to how high the lake will rise given the expected precipitation in the forecast.  “We have activated the EOC so that we can access resources and coordinate efforts,” said the City’s Emergency Operations Centre Director Anthony Haddad. “Recognizing that this will be a slow moving event, we have plenty of time to prepare for any protective measures, should they be required over the next few weeks.”  

The City will start to source gabion bins and beach-ready sand to use to protect the Okanagan Lakeshore if required. Residents on low-lying properties along the Okanagan Lakeshore who are concerned about flooding will have access to bags and sand at Fire Hall #2 at 285 Dawson Avenue beginning tomorrow. 

The City will also take steps to mitigate the potential of any localized flooding around the Penticton Yacht Club, which has occurred in the past as the lake approaches the current levels. Residents can expect to see crews sandbagging around the area over the next few days. 

More information about the City’s response to the risk of flooding is available at www. penticton.ca.
 

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Water levels in Okanagan Lake have reached full pool, having continually risen over the past week due to increased rainfall in the Central and South Okanagan. The Penticton Fire Department and City crews are monitoring lake levels and will act on armouring the lakefront with sandbags or tiger dams to prevent damage if levels continue to rise. The City will notify the community should these measures need to be implemented. The City provides the following information as a precaution:

• Residents in low-lying and waterfront areas that may be affected by flooding from rising lake levels are encouraged to stay informed. Sandbags will be made available to City residents should water levels reach the threshold for response activation. 
• The Penticton Fire Department and City crews are monitoring the situation and on standby and are prepared to deal with emergencies should they arise. 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.
• Anyone boating on Okanagan Lake is reminded to keep speeds down to prevent shoreline erosion and be extra vigilant as there are many logs and other debris floating in the lake at this time. Please ensure all boats and docks are properly secured against rising water levels.
• Homes located in the low lying areas with high ground water may start to see water seepage into their basements due to the higher than usual lake levels. As a preventative measure, homeowners should inspect their basement or crawl space sump pumps to ensure they are operating correctly.
• Updates will be provided through City of Penticton communication channels as required. The City now offers an Emergency Text Notification service to alert residents about evacuation alerts and orders through their mobile phones. Visit www.penticton.ca/subscribe to register. 

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 a public sandbag self-fill site at Fire Hall Station 202 at 285 Dawson Ave.

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

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.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Residents have the option of subscribing to receive notifications from the City directly by email or by text. 

Subscribe for Alerts

• 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
• City of Penticton Emergency Text Alerts: www.penticton.ca/subscribe
• 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.