Emergency centre offers flooding update and resources
By Contributor
RDCK Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff and emergency responders continue to monitor various rivers and creeks across the district as ongoing and forecasted precipitation warrants increased awareness and vigilance by everyone.
Record precipitation amounts in June have initiated numerous flood events since the early part of the month. Intense rainfall (upwards of 60-80 millimetres over 24 hours in localized storm cells) last weekend resulted in a number of flood events and numerous states of local emergencies, evacuation alerts and evacuation orders being declared.
The combination of record precipitation and runoff from creeks and streams has elevated Kootenay Lake to near record levels. The lake is currently at 1753.0 (as of midnight June 25), about a foot below the modern historic level of 1754.24 set in 1974.
People need to be aware of both the danger posed during flood conditions and their responsibility for protecting their land and property.
Watch for warning signs as water courses rise. These include: increase in height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, colour changes in water or leaning trees. Exercise extreme caution on banks of rivers and streams as they are likely saturated and potentially unstable and dangerous (undercut).
At times like this, take extra care when driving especially on rural or unfamiliar roads – all roads look different with standing water or water running over them. Do not drive into flooded areas – you and your vehicle can be quickly swept away. Do not walk through any moving water – less than 15 cm (6 inches) is enough to make you fall. Walk where there is no standing or moving water, footing is solid and watch for tripping hazards.
To assist property owners in potential flood areas, designated Fire Stations throughout the Regional District have sandbags available for emergency use, as does the Kaslo Public Works yard and the RDCK head office at 202 Lakeside Drive in Nelson. Stockpiles of sand have been established at locations around the lake and district. If high water is threatening your property these materials are useful but personal safety is far more important than property and belongings. Stay safe!
For more information on personal/family preparedness including details on proper sandbagging techniques, visit the Provincial Emergency Program web site: www.pep.bc.ca .
For information on river levels: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings
For Kootenay Lake Levels, visit: www.fortisbc.com/Electricity/CustomerService/KootenayLakeLevels
For RDCK Public Notices please go to: http://www.rdck.bc.ca/publicinfo/notices.html .
TO REPORT A FLOODING EMERGENCY OR EVENT call 1-800-663-3456 or contact the EOC at 1-877-552-7701.
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