FLOOD SEASON IS HERE. BE PREPARED.
Kamloops, BC - April 20, 2020 - Spring freshet flooding, driven by melting snowpacks, is upon us. While it’s always important for property owners to be prepared for flooding at this time of year, the extraordinary complications due to COVID-19 mean that it is absolutely critical that people are proactive, and prepared, before the water rises.
The TNRD has pre-positioned sand and sand bags at a number of locations throughout the Regional District. These locations can be found on our interactive map: TNRD Emergency Interactive Map
Property owners are responsible for filling and placing any sandbags they utilize, and are responsible for disposing of them afterwards. When picking up sand and sandbags, please adhere to the physical distancing measures orders by the Provincial Health Officer (staying 6 feet away from others). You must bring your own shovel or handtool for filling the bags with sand.
Emergency Management BC has a very helpful flood preparedness guide, including instructions for how to build sandbag walls, here: Flood Preparedness Guide
Some general tips:
- Floods can be slow or fast-rising, but generally develop over a period of hours or days.
- Residents can stay informed of streamflow advisories, flood watches and flood warnings through the River Forecast Centre here: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
- Drive carefully — if you are planning to travel, follow current highway conditions and any road closures. Know before you go - check DriveBC before you set off.
- Never try to drive through floodwater. Water can be deeper than it appears, and levels can rise very quickly.
- Avoid small creeks and rivers as their channels tend to be narrow and can fill up quickly. Also, eroded banks result in unstable ground. Most importantly, keep children and pets away from stream banks.
- Stay alert for changing conditions, particularly if you live in low-lying areas or near waterways.
- Always follow the instructions of emergency officials.
- It is a good idea to organize your emergency kit containing important documents, prescription medication, a flashlight and first aid kit. Emergency preparedness information can be found at PreparedBC
To report severe flooding in your area, contact the Emergency Management BC Emergency Coordination Centre Reporting Line at 1-800-663-3456.
For further information, contact the TNRD Emergency Program at 250-819-4105 or EOCOperations@tnrd.ca
Media contact:
Kevin Skrepnek, Emergency Program Coordinator
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250-377-6302
Email: kskrepnek@tnrd.ca
Click here to view this press release on our website.
