Your EMO eNews

September 11, 2023

PARKSVILLE - QUALICUM BEACH

COMMUNITY UPDATE

empty metal bucket and shovel on white background. Isolated 3D illustration

Home Emergency Kits

Our home emergency kits are really starting to take shape! This month we’ll add a bucket of hand tools to our supplies. Not only do the tools help with building shelter, making quick fixes or setting up a camp, but the bucket itself has a very useful function.

If you can find a bucket with a lid, it will be easier to store the tools, but any large bucket will do. Add tools like a hatchet, folding shovel, and pocketknife. Other useful items to add at this stage are rope and garbage bags.

So, why the bucket? To put it simply, it will function as a toilet! If, post-disaster, sewage systems are impacted, you’ll need an alternative. A bucket lined with a garbage bag may not be luxurious but will work.

Flood Awareness

It may seem unusual to start thinking about rain and flooding while the sun is still shining. It is, however, wise to start planning for hazards before they occur. And with drought conditions continuing, everyone should be looking forward to some rain. Climate change has increased the risk of flooding in communities across BC. Ground which is dried by drought or wildfire, struggles to absorb heavy rainwater in the fall and so a prolonged downpour can quickly lead to overland flooding. Along with rising sea levels and altered melting cycles of mountain snow in the area, flooding is something we should all consider. Even if it doesn’t affect your home directly, other areas of our communities may be.

There are simple steps we can take to protect our homes and property:

Clean your gutters regularly.
Keep nearby storm drains clear of debris.
In the winter, clear snow 3-5 feet away from your home’s foundation.
Store your valuable possessions out of the basement and off the ground.
Know how to turn off power to your home.
Make an emergency plan.

Monitor your local news stations and local government social media for the latest information about potential flooding in your area. If action is needed, we’ll let you know. Have a look at Prepared BC’s flood preparedness guide for additional ways you can prepare your home and property.

Stay up to date with river conditions in our communities by following the BC River Forecast Centre Notification Map.

FLOOD ADVISORY AND WARNING LEVELS

HIGH STREAMFLOW ADVISORY

This is the lowest level of flood notice. River levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

FLOOD WATCH

This is the intermediate level of flood notice. River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

FLOOD WARNING

This is the highest level of flood notice. River levels have exceeded bankfull or will exceed bankfull imminently and will result in flooding of areas adjacent to the affected rivers.

Volunteering through the summer!

A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers who continued to volunteer their time through the summer months! The Emergency Support Services team continued to staff the on-call phone to ensure there was continuous coverage to assist people displaced from their homes due to emergencies. Members of the Emergency Communications Team completed regular checks on the equipment to ensure everything remained functioning.

We can’t do it alone!

Our two volunteer teams will return to their regular meeting schedule this month. If you’re interested in joining either the Oceanside Emergency Support Services or Oceanside Emergency Communications Team, please contact Chris James at [email protected] or 250 937-0448. Previous emergency support services or emergency communications experience isn’t necessary as we can provide you with all of the training you’ll need.

GET NOTIFIED DURING A LOCAL EMERGENCY

Emergency Notifications

Thank you to everyone who has signed up. Don’t forget that you can sign up for notifications from more than one community. If, for example, you work in a community other than the one in which you live, it is wise to sign up for notifications in both locations. In the event of an emergency, one of the ways Emergency Management Oceanside may notify you is by using alerts sent through Voyent Alert! This system allows community members to register online to receive messages relevant to their community through email, app, text message, or voice call.

Registration for Voyent Alert! is free. Go to Voyent Alert! (voyent-alert.com) to sign up today. Contact Kate at [email protected] or 250 954-4672 with questions about the system or registration process.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Town of Qualicum Beach

Town Hall is open to the public with full services. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm (except statutory holidays). Although the office is open, residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the other payment options including payment through your financial institution; mail a cheque; or drop off a cheque at Town Hall drop box (location below). If you do wish to visit Town Hall to conduct business, masks are recommended while in the building.