The forecast is calling for warm temperatures and rain across the region, and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) says residents should be prepared for localized flooding.
“With the snow we’ve received over the past ten days, and the forecasted potential for several millimetres of rain this weekend combined with rising temperatures, there is an elevated risk of localized overland flooding,” said RDEK Protective Services Manager, Christina Carbrey.
“We encourage people to stay clear of creek banks and rivers and urge anyone who lives in a flood-prone area to take steps to protect their homes and properties.”
The RDEK says you can take proactive measures, such as checking gutters and downspouts, clearing any drainage, spreading out or removing large piles of snow and using sandbags in flood-prone areas.
“The RDEK’s Flood Response Unit will also be in communication with municipalities in the region, to ensure regional cooperation and situational awareness and is working on establishing self-fill sandbag stations as required,” said the RDEK.
The RDEK has an alert system available for all East Kootenay residents to get notified in the event of a flood, fire or other emergency.
“As part of seasonal emergency preparedness, residents who have not already done so are encouraged to sign up for the regional Evacuation Notification System, which notifies registrants by landline, mobile phone or text in the event their property or marked location is within an evacuation alert or order area,” said the RDEK.
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