The City of Vernon is continuing to monitor Okanagan Lake levels, which are expected to increase with hot weather today 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.
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 Rd
- 4005 Pleasant Valley Rd
- Corner of Okanagan Ave and Okanagan Landing Rd (across from Marshall Fields)
- Okanagan Hills Blvd and Bella Vista Rd. 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.
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.
Four Stages of Evacuation:
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.
Evacuation Order: People have been ordered to evacuate the area. This is an order and there is no room for discretionary decision making on the part of the population at risk. An Emergency Reception & Information Centre will be set up; you will be given the location and are asked to register in.
Evacuation Rescind: The population that was ordered out of the area previously may now return as the danger has passed. People are requested to remain ready and alert in case the situation changes. If this occurs, RCMP will alert everyone in the impacted area.
Tactical Evacuation: The emergency does not allow for any warnings to prepare to evacuate. This evacuation is immediate due to threat to life safety.
Photo: The City of Vernon has added approximately 30 centimetres of berm material to Cummins Road as temporary flood control.