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Welcome!

The Ask an Expert Series is open from April 15 - 26. We invite you to ask your questions on the topic of post-wildfire hazards, FireSmart strategies and how to prepare in the event of an emergency. We will answer your question during Emergency Preparedness Week from May 6 - 11 right here and on the Central Okanagan Emergency social media channels. You can follow us at: twitter.com/CO_Emerg and facebook.com/CORDEmergency   

Meet our experts!



Jennifer Clarke, M.Sc., P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hons.) 
Professional Geoscientist at Clarke Geoscience Ltd.

Jennifer is a Professional Geoscientist and Owner and Director of Clarke Geoscience Ltd. She has post-graduate education in physical geography (geomorphology) and over 25 years of consulting experience. Jennifer provides specialist services in earth science and water resources, with a focus on terrain analysis and natural hazards.  She has completed several post-wildfire natural hazard assessments in the Central Okanagan, including the 2021 White Rock Lake Fire and the 2023 McDougall Creek Fire.


Emergency Preparedness

Deputy Chief, Sandra Follack 
Regional District of Central Okanagan Emergency Manager

 As the Deputy Chief of Communications and Emergency Management, Sandra oversees the daily operations of the fire dispatch center, which serves 58 fire departments in the Interior regions. She also leads the coordination and planning of the Regional Emergency Program to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters. Sandra has been instrumental in enhancing the emergency management capabilities of the region, especially during the challenging events of 2017, 2021 and 2023, when the area faced unprecedented flooding and wildfires. Sandra is passionate about public safety and community resilience. She strives to foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.


FireSmart
Adam Skrinnikoff
Regional District of Central Okanagan FireSmart Coordinator

Adam is the RDCO’s FireSmart Coordinator, and certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. He has a background with more than 10 years of structural and wildland firefighting and was utilized as a Structure Protection Specialist during the 2023 McDougall Creek Fire. Adam is passionate about helping people FireSmart their homes and properties and enjoys providing homeowners with detailed education on becoming more resilient to the threat of wildfire. Adam is also a Lieutenant at North Westside Fire Rescue where you will see him on fire apparatus at emergency scenes.

If you don't live in the RDCO Electoral Areas, we will do our best to get answers from our partners.


Did you know that each local municipality has their own FireSmart Program? See the FireSmart resources below to learn more.