Source: Government of BC
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/severe-weather/storms
Severe weather like snow, hail, blizzards, high winds, or heavy rain can happen without warning and can affect your safety in different ways. Extreme cold can be hazardous, and the risk increases the more time you spend outdoors. A PDF Guide is also available.
source: DriveBC
http://www.drivebc.com
1-800-550-4997
The government of BC’s official traveller information system. Includes help for planning routes, information on variable speed limit signs, major events, and highway webcams.
Source: Province of British Columbia
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/river-forecast-centre
The River Forecast Centre analyses snow pack, assesses seasonal water supply and flood risk, and predicts flows in British Columbia’s rivers and streams. It produces a range of bulletins, maps and warnings to inform emergency managers and the public about current and upcoming streamflow conditions.
source: Environment Canada
https://weather.gc.ca/
The government of Canada’s weather service and includes forecasts, alerts, and various maps.
Source: HealthLinkBC
With cooler temperatures, shorter days and the flu and cold season, winter may bring changes to our health. Throughout the winter, it is important that we continue to stay active, eat healthy, and take care of our families and ourselves. Learn about staying healthy and safe this season.
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/illnesses-conditions/injuries/cold-temperature-exposure
It's easy to get cold quickly if you are outside in wet, windy, or cold weather. Cold temperature exposure can also happen if you spend time in a dwelling or other building that isn't well heated during cold weather.
Source: Government of Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/environment/extreme-cold.html
Canada has one of the most severe winter climates of any country in the world. Canadians across the country may face severe cold weather conditions that can affect their health. However, being active and enjoying winter activities and sports is a great way to stay healthy. Learn how to adjust to cold conditions so you can enjoy the winter weather.
Source: WorkSafe BC
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/hazards-exposures/cold-stress
Cold stress can affect people working in cold or wet environments. Workers may show symptoms ranging from shivering to loss of consciousness. This site specifically speaks to workers.
source: Government of British Columbia
http://www.preparedbc.ca
Disasters happen and can potentially leave your household on its own for several days. Sounds scary, but it doesn't have to be. PreparedBC can help you understand and prepare for the hazards in your area.
3 Steps to Preparedness:
source: Interior Health
https://tinyurl.com/ycx23j5c
Interior Health's webpage that includes information for drinking water, hazardous materials, and food handling and storage during an emergency.
http://www.bcairquality.ca
The government of BC’s BC Air Quality website and includes air quality data, interactive maps, and link to smoke forecasts.
https://drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca
Interior Health’s website on clean, safe, and reliable drinking water. Includes an interactive water advisory map for easy access to water advisories from Interior Health. Also includes Interior Health educational videos and reports on drinking water.
Source: Interior Health
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/19911ac6afeb4ad0b2f3bce166829337
Online mapping to show exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to health-related climate hazards in BC’s Interior.
Regional District of the Central Okanagan: CORD Emergency Operations
Regional District of the North Okanagan: Emergency Management
Columbia Shuswap Regional District: Emergency Management
Okanagan Similkameen Regional District: Emergency Operations Centre
Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA): The Evacuee Registration & Assistance (ERA) tool is a new digital platform for Emergency Support Services. ERA is designed to increase the efficiency and speed of service delivery for evacuees across the province. (Source: Government of BC).
Evacuation Alerts and Orders: Emergency Info BC is active during partial and full-scale provincial emergencies, both on this site and on Twitter via @EmergencyInfoBC. They share official response and recovery sources, as well as verified event information from trusted partners. (Source: Emergency Info BC).
Emergency Support Services: British Columbians forced from their homes by fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies may receive emergency social services for up to 72 hours. Services may include food, lodging, clothing, emotional support, information about the crisis, and family reunification. There may also be special services like first aid, child minding, pet care and transportation. (Source: Public Safety & Emergency Services).
FireSmart Last-Minute Wildfire Checklist | FireSmart BC: three checklists (PDF) during an evacuation: Evauation Tips, Quickly address outside surroundings, and checking around the house.
Animal Rescues in a Disaster
Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT): Dedicated to animal welfare through the preparation for and the actual rescue and shelter of domestic animals and livestock in a disaster. Phone: 250-809-7152
Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART): A volunteer-based organization dedicated to animal welfare in times of a disaster or emergency, by providing sheltering, fostering or rescue of domesticated animals.
Returrning after an Evacuation
Recover after a wildfire - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca): Part of the provincial government site on Public Safety and Emergency Services. This page shares information on getting ready to re-enter, food and water safety, cleaning and repairing your home, claiming insurance, and psychological care.
Re-entry Information Booklet | Regional District of the Central Okangan (kelowna.ca): A booklet (pdf) that includes information on key sources of information and contacts, tip sheets for re-entry, and FAQs around returning home.
FireSmart BC: A complete resource for keeping your home, neighbourhood, and community prepared for wildfires. As fires have increased in B.C. in the past decade, the need for preventative measures has never been greater. (Source: collection of relevant BC agencies and organizations)
Wildfire Status: The government of BC’s official website for wildfires and includes an interactive wildfire map, wildfires of note, information bulletins, wildfire prevention information, and fire bans and restrictions. (Source: BC Wildfire Service). Phone: 1-888-3FOREST (1-888-336-7378)
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-professionals/professional-resources/heat-event-response-planning
Information on the two-tiered system for issuing a heat warning and extreme heat emergency. This site lays out the criteria that will be used to issue an alert, the appropriate public health messaging for both types of alerts, and the recommended actions for health sector and other partners.
Source: province of British Columbia
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/severe-weather/extreme-heat
This short guide contains up-to-date information on the health risks of extreme heat and how to stay cool and safe. Also available in Français (French) | 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese) | 繁體中文 (Traditional Chinese) | ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)
https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/natural-disasters-and-emergencies/extreme-heat#bc-hars-triggers-and-activation-process
Extreme heat is projected to be come hotter, longer, and more often as BC’s climate changes. Read Interior Health’s plans and recommendations to increase community resiliency and save lives.
Letter from IH Medical Health Officers