Community Readiness
Thank you for your input. Consultation has concluded
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.
Neighbours supporting neighbours
During the Grouse Complex Wildfire, as we watched the flames take over the hillsides and smoke fill the skies, emergency responders were on the front lines, and the operations centre staff worked around the clock to protect the communities of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Electoral Area-West, Kelowna and Lake Country.
At the same time, we know neighbours stepped up to help one another in times of crisis and uncertainty. As the speed and intensity of the wildfires started to diminish, we heard many stories of Poomba the miracle pig, and the incredible kindness and courage of residents who became lifelines, protectors and friends during and after the wildfire.
We want to collect these stories and hear first-hand from neighbours supporting neighbours. What's your neighbour story?
Share it with us, and we will capture these stories for future commemorations.
Please note that only stories related to this topic will be included.
Do you need inspiration?
Storytelling can capture our hearts and minds. The Resiliency Centre published a recent collection of stories about the 2017 Wildfires in the Interior. Read about them here, complemented by beautiful artwork by Liz Toohey-Wiese.
Who's Listening
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Regional Emergency Program Manager
Email communications@rdco.com -
Regional Emergency Program Communications Officer
Regional District of Central Okanagan
Email communications@rdco.com
Videos
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This topic is related to post-wildfire hazards in recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week, which takes place from May 5 to 11, 2024. We are pleased to have Jennifer Clarke, Owner and Director of Clarke Geoscience Ltd., provide insights into the potential hazards we should be aware of due to the Grouse Complex Wildfire, particularly the McDougall Creek Wildfire.
Jennifer is a Professional Geoscientist and Owner and Director of Clarke Geoscience Ltd., and provides specialist services in earth science and water resources, focusing 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.
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This topic is related to emergency preparedness in recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week, which takes place from May 5 to 11, 2024. We are pleased to have Sandra Follack, Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Manager, share ways individuals and families can be prepared if an emergency occurs in our communities.
Being prepared helps our communities to be ready and resilient in the face of an emergency. For more information, visit www.cordermergency.ca.
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This topic is related to FireSmart in recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week, which takes place from May 5 to 11, 2024. We are pleased to have Adam Skrinnikoff, RDCO FireSmart Coordinator, talk about tips and resources for being FireSmart in the Central Okanagan.
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We talk a lot about emergency kits and grab-and-go bags, but what's the difference and which one do you need to be prepared? Learn more: http://www.PreparedBC.ca/EmergencyKit
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Prepare Now - Resources available to help with pets and livestock.
