Be prepared: secure docks, avoid wake

Central Okanagan, B.C. – With Okanagan Lake sitting at full pool, any wind, rain or wake from boats has the potential to cause further erosion and damage to waterfront property and structures. Residents in waterfront and flood-prone areas are asked to take precautions.

“Property owners are responsible for their own property and should ensure docks are secured and that anchor lines are long enough so they don’t snap if water continues to rise,” says Sandra Follack, Central Okanagan Regional Emergency Program Coordinator. “High winds are still in the forecast and we want residents to be prepared.”

Despite predicted warm weather in the Okanagan over the coming days, weather in watersheds has the potential to impact local conditions and increased volume of water flowing out of the mountains. Use care when walking near creeks as banks can be slippery and unstable and subject to erosion.

The public is asked to leave debris washing up along the lakeshore in place until water levels recede to protect the shoreline from further erosion. Boaters are also asked to be mindful of their speed and wake to prevent property damage along the shoreline.

Preparedness is key is any emergency; including a flood. Get Prepared BC has a complete list of tips on what to do before, during and after a flood. Locations for sand and sandbags can be found at cordemergency.ca/map. Sand and sandbag locations are now available for Peachland, West Kelowna and Joe Rich areas.

Emergency response personnel request that the public only call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

For the most up to date information, visit cordemergency.ca. Information will also be provided via twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDEmergency.