B.C. outlines flood preparation, asks residents to take precautions

The B.C. government is asking residents in flood-prone areas to take preventative action to keep safe and informed.

While extreme weather events like the atmospheric river that hit B.C.’s lower mainland in mid-November last year are rare, flooding is common and natural, the government said.

According to a government bulletin released today:

• Emergency Management BC (EMBC) is prepared to deploy four million sandbags to local governments to protect homes and public infrastructure.
• EMBC is prepared to deploy or pre-position sandbag machines to areas of flood concern or potential flood concern throughout the province.
• EMBC is prepared to deploy 10 kilometres of gabions, which are wall-like structures filled with sand, and 32 kilometres of tiger dams, which are stackable orange tubes filled with water.
• This year, EMBC expanded its use of Alert Ready to issue broadcast intrusive alerts on behalf of communities to warn British Columbians of imminent threats due to flooding.
• In 2020, EMBC launched a digital registration system for Emergency Support Services (ESS) to provide timely access to support. Earlier this year, ESS was expanded to include direct payment to evacuees through Interac e-Transfer.
• EMBC is holding regular regional co-ordination calls with First Nations and communities to assist with preparedness.
• The River Forecast Centre is monitoring weather patterns and river conditions, and remains vigilant for a potential rapid transition toward extreme wet weather that could contribute to increased flood hazard.

Read the government’s recommendations for residents here.