Compiled by Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov, PhD

Updated November 18, 2021

PDF Link

Contents

Step 1: Review Useful Resource Guides.

Step 2: Check States of Emergency, Evacuation Orders and Alerts.

Step 3: Find Access to Emergency Support Services (ESS)

Step 4: Review Emergency Support Services (ESS) Step by Step Guide.

Step 5: Find Sandbag Locations.

Step 6: Share Information for Weather and Travel Resources.

Step 7: Plan ahead: Preparedness and Recovery Resources.

Step 8 Care for Pets and Livestock.

Step 9 Prepare for Clean Up and Returning Home.

Step 10 Practice Self-Care and Mental Well-Being.

Step 11: Find Online Community: (social media updates, and resources)

Step 12: Share Resources: Ways to Donate.

Step 1: Review Useful Resource Guides

• BC Economic Development Association Resource for Flood Impacted Individuals & Businesses: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p2HZjcBilzMzuXb4VurBgpnhr_sDxf4G57FY0uAYcTk/edit
• Welcome to Kamloops Newcomers Guide with information on the following resources: Free Internet in Kamloops page 21-22; Short Term Housing and Apartment Rentals in Kamloops (p.65); Volunteering (p.100) Thrift Shopping (p.104-105) Affordable Grocery Shopping in Kamloops  (p.106): https://immigrantservices.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Welcome_To_Kamloops_Publish.pdf  If you want to add an article, please email Oleksandr (Sasha) Kondrashov okondrashov@tru.ca to share your resources for the second edition of the guide
• Haulers LIST to help with animals/livestock shelter. This list is in addition to the information received during the fire season and may not be up-to-date with volunteers still willing to house. If you see your name on any of the lists and wish to have the information, updated or your name removed, please reach out to Tasha Leepart and she will update your information. PDF version: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BCsEmergencyLIvestockAnimalEvacuationGroup/permalink/3053208541617891/   Microsoft Word version: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BCsEmergencyLIvestockAnimalEvacuationGroup/permalink/3051190631819682
• BC 211 Guide and Help Line is a non-profit society that connects people to the community, health and government resources for help, where and when they need it. https://bc.211.ca/
• Fraser Valley Flood Resources: Lots of useful resources and supports in one spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B98b7CeMFU4Fi040rUPY8x0aaSr-H87wrBijN4x7cj0/edit?
• How to Organize Critical Documents for Emergency Evacuation https://theprovidentprepper.org/how-to-organize-critical-documents-for-emergency-evacuation/
• Basic Emergency Kit: https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/bsc-kt-en.aspx

Step 2: Check States of Emergency, Evacuation Orders and Alerts

• Check for recent updates: Provincial Evacuation Orders, Alerts, and Rescinds  https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/current-flooding-information-2/  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: https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=950b4eec577a4dc5b298a61adab41c06
• When required, an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be opened by the Regional District 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.

Step 3: Find Access to Emergency Support Services (ESS)

• ESS provides short-term basic support to eligible evacuees; for those unable to support themselves for the first 72 hours of an emergency, and who do not have insurance coverage.
• ESS Information Centre: 1-800-585-9559 (if line is busy, contact an ESS Reception Centre)
• A list of activated ESS Reception Centres can be found on EmergencyInfoBC website. The list is updated or changed as new information is made available.
• Evacuee Registration and Assistance (ERA) https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ 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.
• For the most up to date information on Evacuation Orders and Alerts in your area, visit your local government or local authority website:
• City of Abbotsford
• City of Merritt
• City of Mission
• Cooks Ferry Indian Band
• Cowichan Valley Regional District
• District of Kent
• Fraser Valley Regional District
• Lower Similkameen Indian Band
• Regional District of East Kootenay
• Regional District of Nanaimo
• Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
• Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
• Thompson-Nicola Regional District
• Town of Princeton

Step 4: Review Emergency Support Services (ESS) Step by Step Guide

• Step 1: Self-register online at ess.gov.bc.ca. If you require assistance with self-registration you can ask for help by calling the Emergency Support Services Info Line: 1-800-585-9559.
• Step 2: Proceed to the nearest Reception Centre (listed below) to complete the ESS registration. You will also be asked to complete a needs assessment to determine what short-term supports you require (e.g. food, lodging, clothing and incidentals). Tip: After you register, you may receive calls from unlisted numbers regarding your evacuee registration. Make sure your voicemail box is not full so ESS volunteers can leave a message.
• Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre Locations: Please check updated locations https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/current-flooding-information-2/
  • Abbotsford:
    • Fraser Valley Trade and Exhibition Centre (Tradex) located at 1190 Cornell Street
    • Evacuation Orders & Alerts – https://www.abbotsford.ca/alerts/evacuation-order-and-alerts-issued-localized-areas
    •  Evacuees with questions can call the Public information line at 604-864-5688 where staff are available to address questions.
    • Tourism Abbotsford Emergency Response Resources
  • Agassiz:
    • Agassiz Agricultural Hall, 6800 Pioneer Avenue (for evacuees from the Hwy #7 slides)
  • Chilliwack:
    • Chilliwack Secondary, 46363 Yale Road

• Flood Watch Warning and Closures – chilliwack.com/FloodWatch
  • Chilliwack ESS Reception Centre located at the Chilliwack Landing Sports Centre – 45530 Spadina Avenue

• Cowichan Valley Regional District:
  • Cowichan Community Centre – 2687 James St, Duncan, BC V9L 2X5
  • Cowichan Tribes Gym – 5574 River Rd, Duncan, BC V9L 6V9 250-732-1475
  • Hope:
    • Grace Baptist Church, 949 3 Ave, Hope, BC V0X 1L0
    • Hope Secondary School, 444 Stuart St, Hope, BC V0X 1L0
    • Coquihalla River and Silver-Hope Creek remain high and fast flowing.  Residents are reminded to stay clear of fast moving water and river banks.  Staff continue to monitor the situation.  Hope Secondary School (444 Stuart St.) is open if you leave your home at this time.
    • Camp Hope 61855 Lougheed Hwy, Hope Mountainview Brewing Co in Hope is open for evacuees to come get warm, have a coffee, shower and rest.
  • Kelowna:
    • Parkinson Activity Centre, 1700 Parkinson Way
  • Kamloops:
    • McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, 1655 Island Parkway
    • Kamloops Food Bank – 171 Wilson St, Kamloops, BC V2B 2M8 (250) 376-2252
    • https://www.facebook.com/thetree2020/  planning to open our centre (657 Seymour Street) on Saturday from 10 – 4 so that evacuee’s can have access to our donation room. We have clothes for babies, children, and women. We do not have much for men unfortunately. We also have baby equipment, new bottles, and some diapers (size one). We will be bringing all donations up to our main floor and setting them up for ease of access
    • https://www.facebook.com/NoLimitsFitnessCanada With all of the catastrophic flooding happening, No Limits Fitness would like to do our part in the community by opening our doors to anyone displaced by the flooding or road closures. Please present ID at front desk!
    •  
  • Lillooet
    • Lillooet Friendship Centre: Community Cares Building
    • 76 5th Avenue (please pre-register as above)
    • Evacuation Orders: An Evacuation Order has been issued by the District of Kent Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) due to the potential danger to life and health for the following area: Rockwell Drive: Rockwell Drive, north to Lillooet Road Reception Centre for Displaced Residents The Emergency Operations Centre at Municipal Hall will be open until 6:00 pm for phone enquiries only. For after hours emergencies, please call 911. If you do not require emergency support services (ie, accommodation, food, etc) please register online.
  • Princeton
    • https://www.princeton.ca/p/november-2021-flood
  • RDOS / Penticton:
    • Bus Barn, 199 Ellis Street Penticton
    • If they you have access to use a phone safely, please call Penticton ESS at 1-833-498-3770 as soon as possible.
    • If you cannot access a phone, please go to 2965 South Main Street, Penticton (Penticton Seniors’ Drop-In Centre)
  • Salmon Arm:
    • The Prestige, 251 Harbourfront Drive Open from 8 AM to 6 PM until further notice

Step 5: Find Sandbag Locations

• Abbotsford Abbotsford Residents requiring sand & sandbags can attend the City of Abbotsford Works Yard located at 31739 King Rd.  Sand & Bags are located outside the main gates.  Please bring a shovel with you to fill the bags.
• Chilliwack The City has supplied sandbags and sand at Townsend Park (45130 Wolfe Rd)
• Mission The City of Mission has free sandbags available for collection from the Public Works car park at 33835 Dewdney Trunk Rd. The public is asked to go to the parking lot gate west of the building.
• Oak Bay Residents are able to get sandbags at the Public Works yard located at 1771 Elgin Road. Please report any flooding to Public Works at 250-598-4501.
• Port Coquitlam We will be making sand and sandbags available for residents. Residents can pick the bags up at the entrance of our Works Yard (1737 Broadway).
• Sooke Sandbag station is open at the #Sooke Parks Works Yard, 2070 Kaltasin Road. Sandbags and sand are provided at no charge. Please bring your own shovel.  Learn more: http://sooke.link/1cha
• Tulameen Sand and sandbags are available at the Tulameen and District Fire Hall. You can also find updated sand and sandbagging locations, as well as an informational video at: https://emergency.rdos.bc.ca
• Kamloops (Previous floods) https://www.castanetkamloops.net/news/Kamloops/298299/Here-s-a-list-of-where-you-can-find-sand-and-sandbags-in-Kamloops

Step 6: Share Information for Weather and Travel Resources

●      EmergencyInfoBC Provides links to websites of Regional Districts currently affected by flooding in BC, including evacuation orders, alerts, and rescinds. EmergencyInfoBC also has information about flood preparation, safety, and emergency services.

• Twitter @EmergencyInfoBC: https://twitter.com/EmergencyInfoBC
• Environment Canada Weather: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather.html

●      Severe Weather https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/severeweather.html  

• ●      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. http://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
• ●      The online Current Emergency Highway Advisories and Resources Page provides detailed information about highway travel disruptions during emergency situations like flooding or fire: https://www.tranbc.ca/current-travel-advisories/
• Follow Drive BC updates when planning your trip: https://www.drivebc.ca/#mapView&z=7&ll=50.169861746007314,-123.51928710937501&xtg=South%20Coast%20Region
• Check: Border exemptions for British Columbians otherwise stranded by floods https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2021/11/16/bc-border-flood-covid  Link2: https://cfjctoday.com/2021/11/18/canadian-land-border-waiving-proof-of-covid-19-testing-for-stranded-british-columbians/
• Travel documents when crossing US Border: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html#s1-1
• General DriveBC website – https://www.drivebc.ca/
• BC Highway Conditions toll-free in North America 1-800-550-4997
• Major Events Border Delays: https://www.drivebc.ca/#listView&severity=Major&xtg=Major%20Events
• BCFerries Current Travel Advisories https://www.bcferries.com/travel-advisories

Step 7: Plan ahead: Preparedness and Recovery Resources

●      PreparedBC This is the government website for disaster readiness information. It has flood Information for Homeowners and Home Buyers, including tips on preparing for floods, and protecting your home and property. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/floods

●      Disaster Financial Assistance Those impacted by recent flooding may apply to the Province for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) where losses could not be insured or where other programs are not available. Information regarding DFA may be obtained from:

Emergency Management BC Phone: 1-888-257-4777 Email: dfa@gov.bc.ca Website: www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance

Financial assistance in a disaster https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/evacuee-guidance/disaster-financial-assistance#step1

Disaster Financial Assistance for local communities https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/local-emergency-programs/financial/communities-dfa

●      Insurance Bureau of Canada IBC can answer insurance questions related to flooding in BC Phone: 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422) Website: http://www.ibc.ca/bc/

Step 8 Care for Pets and Livestock

• If you’ve been evacuated and need emergency boarding for your pet, the BC SPCA has you covered. Call 1-855-622-7722.
• Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen If you have pets or livestock that need to be cared for and billeted, please contact Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) for support:
  250-809-7152. http://www.alertcanada.org
• Animal Food Bank at 250.860.4517 www.animalfoodbank.org  https://www.facebook.com/animalfoodbankcanada/
• BC Cattlemen’s Association Toll Free in BC 1.877.688.2333 Email  info@cattlemen.bc.ca
• Aide for Paws & Rescue Society – offering donations of dog food & supplies to evacuated families. As long as we still have items available we are happy to donate and drop off at the Tradex (Abbotsford)
• Harmony Farm Kennel And Lamb https://www.harmonyfarmkennelandlamb.com/
• Pet Emergency Checklist: https://spca.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/BCSPCA-EMERGENCY-CHECKLIST-1.pdf
• Four Paws Food Bank Foundation https://www.facebook.com/fourpawsfoodbank/ provide pet food and supplies to evacuees in Kamloops. Email Fourpawsfoodbank@gmail.com or message the Facebook page. Strictly volunteer run – anyone in a position to make a donation can use the same email address

Step 9 Prepare for Clean Up and Returning Home

• HealthLink BC has a document outlining health hazards https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/clean-after-flood associated with a flood along with information on safety returning home after a flood.
• Information on mould prevention and cleanup is available from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation   https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/professionals/industry-innovation-and-leadership/industry-expertise/indigenous-housing/develop-manage-indigenous-housing/maintenance-solutions/mould-in-housing/mould-prevention-and-flood-cleanup and from HealthLink BC https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/air-quality-mould

Step 10 Practice Self-Care and Mental Well-Being

• 310 Mental Health Support offers 24-hour emotional support and information and referral services, call 310-1234 (no area code required).
• Canadian Mental Health Association offers mental health tips  https://cmha.bc.ca/documents/coping-through-a-natural-disaster-emergency/ for you and your family on coping through a natural disaster emergency.
• Bounce Back  https://bouncebackbc.ca/ is a free program teaching effective skills to overcome symptoms of mild to moderate depression or anxiety and improve their mental health, suitable for people who have suffered fear, anxiety and loss from stressful events such as a disaster.
• For those needing immediate crisis emotional support, call 1-833-546-4566.
• If you are concerned for the immediate safety or yourself or someone else, call a local crisis support line or 911 right away.
• All of BC:
  • Crisis Line Association of BC http://www.crisislines.bc.ca/

1800SUICIDE (24 hours): 1-800-784-2433 310

Mental Health Support (24 hours): 310-6789

• KUU-US Aboriginal Crisis Line http://www.kuu-uscrisisline.ca/

Toll Free (24 hours): 1-800-588-8717

Adult/Elders Crisis Line (24 hours): (250) 723-4050

Child/Youth Crisis Line (24 hours): (250) 723-2040

• Youthspace.ca (NEED2 Suicide Prevention, Education & Support) http://www.need2.ca/

Youth Text (6pm-12am): (778) 783-0177

Youth Chat (6pm-12am): www.youthspace.ca

• BC Interior
  • Interior Crisis Line Network http://www.crisislines.bc.ca/interior

Toll Free (24 hours): 1-888-353-CARE (2273)

 Crisis Chat Service http://www.interiorcrisisline.com/crisischat

• Coastal Region
  • Vancouver Crisis Centre http://www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/

Toll Free (24 hours): 1-866-661-3311

Toll Free TTY (24 hours): 1-866-872-0113

Crisis Chat: crisiscentrechat.ca http://crisiscentrechat.ca/

• Fraser Valley
  • Fraser Health Crisis Line http://www.options.bc.ca/

Toll Free (24 hours): 1-877-820-7444

Crisis Line (24 hours): (604) 951-8855

• CTC Telecare Crisis & Caring Line (Providing Christian Crisis Intervention, Listening & Referrals) http://www.telecarebc.com/

Toll Free: 1-888-852-9099

Crisis Line: (604) 852-9099

• Northern BC
  • Northern BC Crisis Centre http://www.northernbccrisissuicide.ca/

Toll Free (24 hours): 1-888-562-1214

Crisis Line (24 hours): (250) 563-1214

Toll Free Youth Support: 1-888-564-8336

Youth Support: (250) 564-8336 Crisis Chat: www.northernyouthonline.ca

• Richmond, South Delta, Ladner & Tsawwassen
  • Chimo Crisis Services Crisis Lines http://www.chimoservices.com/

Crisis Line (8am-12am): (604) 279-7070

• S.U.C.C.E.S.S Chinese Help Lines http://www.successbc.ca/eng/services/family-youth/counselling-service/358-chinese-help-lines

Cantonese Crisis Line (10am-10pm): (604) 270-8233

Mandarin Crisis Line (10am-10pm): (604) 270-8222

• Vancouver Island
  • Vancouver Island Crisis Line & Chat http://www.vicrisis.ca/

Toll Free (24 hours): 1-888-494-3888

Crisis Text: (250) 800-3806

Crisis Chat: www.vicrisis.ca

• More Resources https://www.crisisservicescanada.ca/en/looking-for-local-resources-support/   Call 1.833.456.4566 | Text  45645
   
• ​1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433): http://www.crisislines.bc.ca/services  for individuals who are or know someone who is having thoughts of suicide. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and in up to 140 languages. Operated in partnership with Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of B.C.
• Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868 or text 686868) https://kidshelpphone.ca/ : Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 national service offering professional counselling, information, referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support for young people in English and French. Now, Indigenous people can connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder, when available, by messaging FIRST NATIONS, INUIT or METIS to 686868 for young people and 741741 for adults or through Facebook http://m.me/CrisisTextLinepoweredbyKidsHelpPhone
• Coping with natural disaster stress  https://cmha.bc.ca/documents/coping-with-natural-disaster-stress/

Step 11: Find Online Community: (social media updates, and resources)

• BC Wildfire and Flood Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BC.Wildfire.Evacuee.Support
• Fraser Valley: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1728308954030612/
• The Flooding in Southern British Columbia, Canada: https://www.facebook.com/crisisresponse/650867985908031/
• Abbotsford: https://www.facebook.com/groups/273516764191067/
• Chilliwack: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodlifeinchilliwack
• Hope: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hopebulletinboard
• BC Emergency Livestock/Animal/Horse Evacuation Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BCsEmergencyLIvestockAnimalEvacuationGroup/
• Fraser Valley Flood Help          https://www.facebook.com/groups/1728308954030612
• Abbotsford Disaster & Relief Resources https://www.facebook.com/groups/273516764191067
• Shelter for 2021 Flood Evacuees          https://www.facebook.com/groups/410519230630508/
• Families of East Abbotsford          https://www.facebook.com/groups/390086711336904
• BC Wildfire and Flood Support Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1897632013809153
• Coquihalla Road Reports (and Area) https://www.facebook.com/groups/Coquihallaroadreports/
• City of Merritt – Municipal Government  https://www.facebook.com/CityofMerritt
• The Merritt Grapevine  https://www.facebook.com/groups/MerrittGrapevine
• Town of Princeton Emergency Management https://www.facebook.com/TOPEOC
• fv flood help   https://www.facebook.com/groups/1728308954030612/
• Caremongering – Kamloops https://www.facebook.com/groups/193474165404502
• Evacuees places to stay and resources in The North Thompson https://www.facebook.com/groups/350746549767441/
• Kamloops Free Stuff https://www.facebook.com/groups/1434475153532391

Step 12: Share Resources: Ways to Donate

• For those looking to donate goods and services may want to connect with local organizations, some suggestions may be found on local government websites. Other ways to find places accepting donations of food, goods, and services would be to check social media channels such as Facebook groups (see above).
• United Way British Columbia (UWBC): United for BC Flood Response Fund https://uwbc.ca/flood/
• Canadian Red Cross: British Columbia Floods & Extreme Weather Appeal  https://donate.redcross.ca/page/94172/donate/1?locale=en-CA
• GoFundMe has set-up a centralized page for those who have been affected by the BC flooding, it lists verified fundraisers seeking to rebuild and recover from this natural disaster. https://www.gofundme.com/en-ca/c/act/bc-flooding#bc-flooding
• GlobalGivingFor The Flooding in Southern British Columbia, Canada. More information https://www.facebook.com/crisisresponse/650867985908031
• Kamloops Food Bank: https://www.facebook.com/kamloopsfoodbank/