Be Prepared
Emergency Management in BC is supported by a well practiced and highly regarded structure that involves your local communities developing Emergency Plans. During major incidents or emergencies, these local plans are supported by responders and staff at the local level, supported in turn by the Province through Emergency Management BC. In our region, these local programs are developed in a collaborative manner and a single plan for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary ensures the highest level of support to residents. This plan has been used many times over the years for wildfires, flooding and other major incidents.
For more information about how to prepare for any emergency visit:
Province of British Columbia Emergency Preparedness
Federal Emergency Preparedness
Three steps to emergency preparedness
It is up to you, the resident, to follow three steps to Emergency Preparedness at home or at work:
Preparedness is key in any emergency, including for a flood. Ensure you have a 72 hour disaster preparedness kit and an evacuation plan in place to be ready in the event of a flood. Visit the Get Prepared before a flood webpage for additional tips. Property owners in flood prone and low-lying areas are responsible for protecting their own properties from possible flood damage. Equipping yourself with a flood plan and the tools needed in case of a flood can help prepare you.
Wildland-Urban Interface Fires
Visit BC Wildfire Service for up to date information about wildfire prevention and active fire information/fire bans in the province.
For more information, check out the FireSmart BC manuals and resources. These manuals provide individuals with the necessary tools in planning and in mitigating the risk of fire in interface areas.
Preparing for wildfire smoke
Over the past number of summers wildfire smoke has dominated our summer skies, with the number of air quality warnings have increase exponentially. To prepare for this the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control has release information on how wildfire smoke affects people’s health and how to prepare for air quality warnings.
Landslide safety
Landslides are one of the top 10 emergency hazards in British Columbia. 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; Learn how to protect your home and property. 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. More information about landslides can be found at PrepareBC.
Flooding preparedness
Check out our Flood Preparedness Guide for Home and Property Owners.
Other emergency resources
This site will be updated with any local information during a major emergency; however, a number of other agencies provide useful information both for preparedness and about emergency situations: