Your EMO eNews

November 26, 2025

PARKSVILLE - QUALICUM BEACH

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Winter Preparedness

With the colder and wetter winter months now here, hazards we may experience change. While we welcome the rain and snow as crucial components in restoring the water in our rivers and lakes after another summer of drought, let’s all be aware of the risks the winter may bring and take some easy steps to prepare. Winter weather hazards in our area can include:

Snow and ice
High winds
Heavy rain
Extreme cold

These hazards can lead to flooding, prolonged power outages, cold injuries, and transportation challenges.

Now is a great time of year to check your home emergency kits and pack a grab and go bag in your car. Follow these tips to make sure your supplies are ready Build an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag - Province of British Columbia
Talk with your family and neighbours about your emergency preparedness plans. How will you check in on your family and neighbours if there is a prolonged period without power?
Get your home ready for winter by completing some easy winterizing steps. Consider insulation, weather stripping and taking steps to prevent pipes from freezing.
Don’t forget to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors!

Tire in winter on snow road. Tires on snow. Car detail.

Driving in the winter

Our roads can easily be impacted by winter and make driving challenging or even prevent us from being able to travel. Before driving during the winter, people should plan for changing road conditions and ensure their vehicle is properly equipped to drive during the winter. Winter tires are required on many roads in BC from October 1 until April 30.

It is strongly advised you pack an emergency grab and go bag in your vehicle. If a road closes and prevents you from returning home, you may not be eligible to access the provincial Emergency Support Services (ESS) program and instead may be expected to provide your own alterative accommodation or transportation arrangements.

Voyent Alert! is our community emergency notification system. Unlike the broadcast intrusive alerts issued by the province for Amber Alerts, we cannot send a Voyent Alert! notification to you unless you register with the program.

You can choose how you would like to receive notifications: email, landline or app notification. Registration for Voyent Alert! is free. Go to Voyent Alert! (voyent-alert.com) to sign up today. Contact Kate at kpocock@parksville.ca or 250 954-4672 with any questions about the system or registration process.

ITEMS FOR INTEREST

PreparedBC

PreparedBC website is a great resource for information about public emergency preparation and recovery, resources, and tools. You can follow PreparedBC on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and X. Questions or comments may be directed to PreparedBC@gov.bc.ca

Atmospheric rivers

On average, BC experiences 30 to 40 atmospheric rivers per year. Much of the water they bring usually soaks into the ground. In some cases, these weather events can lead to flooding, landslides and avalanches. The River Forecast Centre continuously monitors conditions and provides updates to emergency managers and the public.

Learn the different alert levels:

High Streamflow Advisory: River levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly. Fast-flowing bodies of water increase risk to life safety. No major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.
Flood Watch: River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed riverbanks. Flooding of areas near affected rivers may occur.
Flood Warning: River levels have exceeded riverbank or will exceed soon. Flooding of areas near affected rivers will result.