We are continuing to monitor the evolving wildfire situation closely and are doing some pre-planning should we need to act quickly. The current wildfire situation within the Kamloops Fire Centre serves as a reminder that the wildfire threat is still ongoing and residents should take preventative actions. "We empathize and extend our heartfelt sadness to the residents affected by the wildfires in our sister communities in the Central Okanagan and Shuswap," said Kevin Acton, RDNO Board Chair.
The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is recommending that residents complete or review their emergency plans and kits, and is sharing resources and information that can help people prepare themselves and their families in the event of an emergency, like a wildfire.
North Okanagan residents are encouraged to do the following:
Write an Emergency Plan for your Household
An emergency plan is a playbook for how you and your household will respond to a disaster. The planning process helps you pre-arrange for possible places you could stay, such as with family and friends outside of the endangered areas.
Get started by downloading PreparedBC's fill-in-the-blanks emergency plan (PDF,1.9MB). It will compile the vital information you'll need to respond, as well as establish how you'll communicate and reconnect with loved ones if separated.
Use the guides on the Prepared BC website to help with your planning.
Build an Emergency Kit and Grab-and-Go Bag
In the event of an emergency, you may need to leave your home with little notice. Gather and organize your supplies now so that you’re prepared if a disaster strikes. Keep these supplies in containers that are easy to transport and store them in an area that’s easy to get to. Consider the unique needs of your household, such as items for your pets, children, and seniors. This may include:
- First aid kit and medications
- Copy of your emergency plan, copies of important documents, such as insurance papers
- Cash in small bills
- Contact information for family and friends
- Seasonal clothing, sturdy footwear and emergency blanket
- Pet food
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Personal toiletries and items, such as a toothbrush, or an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
- Non-perishable food: three-day to one-week supply, with a manual can opener
- Water: four litres per person, per day for drinking and sanitation
- Phone charger, battery bank or inverter
Read more about emergency kits and grab-and-go bags online at www.PreparedBC.ca.
Plan for your Large Pets and Livestock
If you have larger animals, like horses, research places that could receive them, as during an evacuation, you may not be allowed in to water and feed your hobby farm animals.
Registering your commercial farm under Premises ID can assist the Ministry of Agriculture and the Emergency Operations Centre in coordinating mass livestock provisions and assistance.
Additional Resources
These are only a few of the many ideas and actions you can take. Find more information at
- Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery
- Learn how to protect your home and property from wildfire on the Firesmart BC website.
- Subscribe to the RDNO’s Emergency Management e-newsletter
Additional Safety Reminders
- Ensure your vehicle has fuel. The tank should always be at least half-full.
- If you know someone who may not have access to the internet or regular news updates, share emergency preparedness information and resources with them.
- With limited hotel and camping accommodations available during the high summer season, consider making a plan to stay with family or friends in a safe location in the event of an evacuation.
- Know the evacuation stages
- Evacuation Alert: This means be ready to leave on short notice
- Evacuation Order: You are at risk. Leave the area immediately
- Evacuation Rescind: All is currently safe and you can return home
Stay Informed
Stay informed on the latest wildfire information and evacuation notices in the Okanagan and across BC by visiting accurate and reliable information sources:
- BC Wildfire Service: www.bcwildfire.ca
- Regional District of Central Okanagan: www.cordemergency.ca
The public is encouraged to visit the RDNO website at www.rdno.ca, Facebook page, and sign up for the e-newsletter (Emergency Management list) to receive updates. In addition, the RDNO will send information to local media. The RDNO also uses the Alertable app to send alerts and information about significant emergencies in our Electoral Areas.