Vernon Activates Emergency Centre

The City of Vernon has activated its Emergency Operations Centre due to the potential for flood related emergencies.

“The weather forecast indicates rainfall in the region and potential for high-flow conditions,” says a City release. “Vernon residents who live in low-lying areas should prepare for overflow of creeks and streams to prepare for for possible flooding and take measures to protect their property.”

“We have two teams on standby just in case the situation worsens. We have two shifts ready to go, so the City of Vernon is mobilized and ready to respond,” spokesperson Tanya Laing Gahr tells Kiss FM.

Photo: BX Creek spills its banks in Vernon May 6, 2017

Laing Gahr says the teams consist of fire personnel, administration, communications, information services, finance staff, and planners.

“As things start to develop, they will help us to forecast what comes down the road, and to mitigate anything that might be happening.”

Residents are encouraged to go to the city’s website (www.vernon.ca) to sign up for emergency alerts.

“As soon as we issue an alert, they will receive notification by email and it will tell them exactly what the situation is and any actions they should be taking,” says Laing Gahr.

Some new sites for filling sandbags have been added.

They are at 4005 Pleasant Valley Rd, and on Okanagan Hills Blvd and Bella Vista Rd. intersection (entrance to The Rise community).

That’s in addition to the sites at Vernon City Operations (1900 48 Avenue) outside main gate of Pleasant Valley Road, and at the corner of Okanagan Avenue and Okanagan Landing Road (across from Marshall Field).

For blocked culverts or non emergency inquiries residents can contact Operations Services at 250-549-6757 or email operations@vernon.ca

For life threatening emergencies call 911.