Sixteen properties in the Sportsmen’s Bowl Road area are under evacuation alert.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) placed the area under a local state of emergency and the Oliver Fire Department is currently assisting in delivering notices to the affected properties.

All residents and property owners that access their properties using Sportsmen’s Bowl Rd are advised that the road has the potential to be closed by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructre at the junction of Highway 97 as flooding is undermining Sportmen’s Bowl Rd and may make it impassable.

The RDOS does not know when this road closure may occur. Residents and property owners are advised to make alternative arrangements for parking of vehicles as soon as possible otherwise these vehicles may become trapped on Sportmen’s Bowl Rd.

No other homes in the RDOS are presently under evacuation alert or order at this time. The area of Willowbrook remains under a state of local emergency due to flooding.

The RDOS said affected residents will be given as much advance notice as possible prior to road closure or evacuation; however, residents may receive limited notice due to changing conditions.

Upon notification of an evacuation alert, the RDOS says residents should be prepared for immediate evacuation by:

  • Locating all family members or co-workers and designate a meeting place outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called while separated;
  • Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), cell phone charges and immediate care needs for dependents and, if chosen, keepsakes (photographs, etc.). Have these items readily available for quick departure;
  • Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children;
  • Moving pets and livestock to a safe area;
  • Arranging to transport household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order;
  • Arranging accommodation for family members if possible.
  • Monitoring news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of reception centres.

In the event of an evacuation, reception centres will be opened if required.

Affected residents needing transportation assistance from the area can call the RDOS Emergency Operations Centre at 250-490-4225.

For more information visit www.rdos.bc.ca, e-mail [email protected] or call 250-490-4225.