Evacuation alert for one Central Okanagan property

News Release No. 14 Central Okanagan, B.C.  Due to slope instability, one property on Westside Rd in the Central Okanagan region is being placed on evacuation alert.

The property affected by the evacuation alert is:

8375 Westside Rd

Residents are advised to be ready to leave their home at a moment’s notice. They should be prepared to be away from their home for an extended period of time, make arrangements for pets and pack essential items such as medicines and important documents.

An evaluation of the situation is underway, and specific details will be released as they are confirmed. Public safety and the safety of emergency response peronnel are the primary concerns at this time.

Emergency Operations Centre staff are working with other response agencies to manage the situation and minimize the impacts; however, residents of the area should be prepared to obey a potential evacuation order. An assessment is required to confirm the stability of the area slopes.

New information will be released as it becomes available.

Landslides are one of the top 10 emergency hazards in British Columbia. Learn how to protect your property and recognize the danger signs including falling rocks or boulders, abnormally dirty water, a faint rumbling sound or unusual sounds such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. If a landslide has occurred stay away from the area as there may still be a danger of further slide activity or some flooding may occur in the aftermath. Learn more online at PreparedBC: Landslide information for homeowners and home buyersopen_in_new.

Across the region, local governments continue with various flood prevention and mitigation measures. All property owners living near creeks and streams in the Central Okanagan, especially those who have historically experienced flooding, are responsible for protecting their buildings, structures and properties from groundwater and potential flood damage. This includes protective measures for storm drains in underground parkades.

Sand and sandbags are available to help Central Okanagan residents with their flood prevention preparations. The 15 sand and sandbag locations across the region can be found at cordemergency.ca/map.

At this time, Okanagan Lake is not a concern and it is not anticipated to be at risk of flooding this year.

For information such as specific flood protection measures being put in place, park and road closures, or water quality advisories, visit your local government website:

City of Kelowna
City of West Kelowna
District of Lake Country
District of Peachland
Regional District of Central Okanagan
Westbank First Nation

Visit cordemergency.ca for the most up-to-date information and resources on how to be prepared and keep your family and property safe. Sign up for e-updates on the cordemergency.ca website to have the latest news delivered to your inbox.