Floods
BC Flood Alert Ended June 9th 2023 at 2:00 PM PDT
This resource list was created to help people in British Columbians affected by floods navigate information, including emergency support, recovery, and future preparation. To speak with a 211 Resource Navigator, dial 2-1-1 or text 2-1-1.
See EmergencyInfoBC for current flooding information, including a summary of evacuation orders, alerts, and rescinds. Includes links to local government/authority websites for the most up-to-date information about local areas. Information also available in map format at EmergencyMapBC.
- Twitter @EmergencyInfoBC: https://twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC
- 24 Hours Emergency Reporting 1-800-663-3456
For the most up-to-date information, visit your Local Authority or First Nation website.When required, an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be opened by the Regional District or Indigenous communities to support the emergency or disaster; an EOC is responsible for various duties such as declaring states of local emergency (SOLEs) as well as issuing evacuation orders and alerts.
See EmergencyMapBC for current Evacuation Orders and Alerts.
River Forecast Centre
During periods of high risk of flooding in BC, the River Forecast Centre provides information on current and forecast streamflow conditions, including flood advisories and warnings. Website: http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
Drive BC
Information on current road conditions: www.drivebc.ca
Emergency Support Services (ESS) provides short-term recovery support and information to evacuees impacted by disasters. ESS Information Centre toll free line is 1-800-585-9559.
Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) is an online platform to help people who have been displaced register as an evacuee. The site links to a form for people who have been instructed to self-register for ESS. Assistance with self-registration can be obtained by calling ESS Information Centre: 1-800-585-9559.
Canadian Red Cross (CRC) can provide individuals support and information through their Emergency and Disaster Services. Call 1-888-800-6493.
Local governments may have sand and sandbags available to community members; contact your local office for more information or check their website for instruction on where to get them. Call or text 2-1-1 to find your local office information or find it on Civic Info BC.
PreparedBC
BC Government website for disaster readiness guides: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc
Emergency Evacuee Guidance
BC Government tips and instructions for flood evacuees: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/evacuation-recovery/evacuee-guidance#flood
Canadian Red Cross
Instructions for protecting yourself and your family before, during and after floods: https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/types-of-emergencies/floods
Power Outages
BC Hydro Power Outages: www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/power-outages.html
Fortis BC Power Outages: www.fortisbc.com/Outages
Employment and Social Development Canada
Provides Employment Insurance (EI) to individuals unable to work due to floods. More information: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/hazardous-weather.html. Apply online at www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei-regular-benefit/apply.html or call 1-877-631-2657
Floods may affect mail delivery of Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) cheques. Avoid delays by switching to direct deposit. Make a service request at eservices.canada.ca/en/menu or call 1-800-277-9914.
Extreme Weather Preparedness for Agriculture program
Provides cost-share funding to eligible BC farm and ranch business that are at risk of flooding to help them increase on-farm flood resiliency. Applications accepted May 23 until June 14, 2023. More information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/extreme-weather-preparedness#2
Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)
The provincial government declared floods eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). The DFA program may provide applicants with financial assistance to restore uninsurable losses that are essential to home, livelihood or community service.
Residents are encouraged to check the DFA Website directly to learn more about the program and determine eligibility. Deadline for starting a claim is August 14th, 2023.
- Disaster Financial Assistance application overview
- Application for individuals, small businesses, farms, and charitable organizations
- Application for Indigenous communities and local governments
- Residents can also call 1-877-257-4777.
Financial assistance has been expanded to include areas in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District.
For those looking to donate food, goods, and services, check with local organizations and local government websites of affected communities.People interested in making financial donations to help communities and those impacted by the floods may want to consider:
- United Way British Columbia (UWBC): United for BC Flood Response Fund
- Canadian Red Cross: Donate online or call 1-800-418-1111
- Food Banks BC: Emergency BC Flood Relief
- BCSPCA: Emergency Flood Relief
Many community organizations are also fundraising for individuals and communities impacted by the flooding.