The City of Vernon is continuing to monitor Okanagan Lake levels, which are expected to increase with hot weather Wednesday and Thursday and rain over the weekend.
Residents on both sides of Lakeshore Road (from 2548 to 2688 Lakeshore Road) and 6999 Cummins Road remain on evacuation alert, and the city has activated it’s Emergency Operations Centre in anticipation of possible flooding.
Sand and sandbags are being replenished twice a day at five other established sites for Vernon residents. The six sandbag locations are:
*Outside Operations main entrance off of Pleasant Valley Road;
*4005 Pleasant Valley Road;
*Corner of Okanagan Avenue and Okanagan Landing Road (across from Marshall Field);
*Okanagan Hills Boulevard and Bella Vista Road intersection (entrance to The Rise community);
*8974 Okanagan Landing Road;
*2605 Lakeshore Road;
The city requests that Lakeshore Road be used for local traffic only to allow crews and residents to access properties.
As of Wednesday morning, the level of Okanagan Lake was 343.248 m, a seven-millimetre increase from Tuesday morning’s level as measured by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Kalamalka Lake continues to trend downward over the past few days and is at measuring at 392.438 m but remains high.
What is an evacuation alert?
During an evacuation alert, people should be prepared to evacuate the area. If not already prepared, use this undetermined period of time to begin an orderly preparation for possible evacuation orders. People may wish to self-evacuate; this is only an alert.
Upon notification of an alert, you should be prepared for the evacuation order by:
Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a meeting place outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated.
Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes, photographs, etc. Have these items readily available for quick departure.
Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children. Moving pets and livestock to a safe area.
Arranging to transport your household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order.
Arranging accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation, reception centres will be opened if required.
OKIB sets up centre
OKIB-EOC, in conjunction with the Red Cross, has set up a Resiliency Centre to assist residents of IR#7 Duck Lake affected by the flood who are now in recovery stages.
Residents include those at Turtle Lodge, Holiday Park, Meadow Brook. IR#7 residents affected by the flooding need proof of permanent residence/photo ID when checking into the centre, which is located at the Upper Level Boys and Girls Club, 3130 Berry Road, Lake Country Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Please remember to bring your original ESS Paper-work and or Evacuation Order