Community Readiness

Community Readiness 

  The results are in!

The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s Regional Emergency Program completed the Community Readiness public engagement initiative, which ran from April 15 to May 31. Communities across the region were invited to get involved and share their feedback. The RDCO Board will receive an update on what we heard on Thursday, July 25.

• Report to the Board - Public Engagement Summary
• Public Engagement Summary Report
• Questionnaire Response Report

We appreciate your involvement and helping build a safe and resilient Central Okanagan. The feedback received will support the development and implementation of a communications strategy before the 2025 hazard season.

The public engagement phase is now closed. Thank you for the outstanding response! We will report back with the What We Heard Report this summer.

Being prepared for emergencies is crucial for everyone's safety and well-being. We'd like to hear from you about your level of preparedness and communication preferences.

How would you:

• Look after your household for 3-7 days without electricity or tap water?
• Cope if you had to evacuate your home on short notice?
• Contact your family and receive information during an emergency?
• Pre-register for the province's emergency support services program?

We are no strangers to disasters. There are increasing hazards in our communities such as flooding, debris flows, drought, wildfires, extreme weather in the Central Okanagan. That's why it's essential for residents and businesses to have a plan in place. By sharing your experience and awareness of emergency preparedness, your input will help us improve our emergency management communication strategies before, during, and after an emergency.

  Have your say on community readiness from April 15 through May 31, 2024.

Your input will make a difference in shaping our emergency response plans and increase the safety of our communities within the Central Okanagan region. You are invited to:

  Complete a short questionnaire (10 minutes to complete)

  Share an idea on emergency preparedness

  Contribute a story about neighbours helping neighbours

  Ask an Expert feature is now closed, however, watch the video series to find answers to questions about post-wildfire hazards, emergency preparedness tips and FireSmart best practices

• Ellison Heritage Community Centre, May 6 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Killiney Beach Community Hall, May 7 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Joe Rich Community Hall, May 8 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Staff will attend to answer questions and provide information on emergency preparedness, including additional services provided by the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Volunteer Fire Departments in the Electoral Areas will be hosting a barbeque serving hotdogs and hamburgers by donation.

Other pop-up locations will occur throughout the month of May.

Printed copies of the questionnaire can be picked up at:

• Fire Departments in North Westside and Main Fire Station on Enterprise in KelownaJoe Rich and , the EECO Centre at Mission Creek Regional Park, or the RDCO office at 1450 KLO Road. For paper copies mailed directly to your home, call 250-469-6193. Completed printed questionnaires must be received by May 31 at the RDCO office and marked to the attention of the Communications Department.

The input provided will be compiled and shared with Central Okanagan Emergency Management officials to proactively prepare for the modernization of the Province of B.C.'s Emergency Management Act, which is expected this year.

Thank you for taking part. Together, we can create a safer, stronger, and more resilient future for all who live, work and visit the Central Okanagan.

About the Regional Emergency Management Program

The RDCO is responsible for the Central Okanagan’s Regional Emergency Program. The Kelowna Fire Department administers the Central Okanagan Regional Emergency Plan. The supporting plan for the Program has been developed to meet the Provincial requirements for regional district emergency preparedness and demonstrate RDCO’s values in building strong relationships with municipalities and the syilx/Okanagan people.

The Role of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operation Centre supports emergencies in the City of Kelowna, City of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country, District of Peachland, Westbank First Nation and Regional District of Central Okanagan.

The EOC is the primary source for delivering official information to the public and the media. Visit cordemergency.ca to subscribe to emergency notifications in the event of an emergency.