Lake Country, B.C. – With warmer, drier conditions taking hold across the Central Okanagan, the District of Lake Country is reminding residents to take steps now to be prepared for emergencies, including wildfire and extreme weather.
“Preparedness starts at home,” said Lake Country Fire Chief Darren Lee. “By taking simple steps—like making an emergency plan, preparing grab-and-go kits, and staying informed—residents can better protect themselves, their families, and our community.”
As part of a region that regularly experiences wildfire risk and other seasonal hazards, Lake Country works closely with Central Okanagan Emergency Management (COEM) and the Province of British Columbia to support coordinated preparedness and response.
Know the risks and make a plan
Residents are encouraged to:
- Know the hazards in their area, including wildfire, extreme heat, and potential flooding or landslide
- Create a household emergency plan, including evacuation routes and family communication plans
- Prepare grab-and-go bags with essentials such as medications, identification, water, phone charger, and supplies for at least 72 hours
- Sign up for emergency alerts, including Alertable notifications used across the Central Okanagan
Be ready to act quickly
In the event of an emergency, officials may issue evacuation alerts or orders. Residents are reminded to:
- Act immediately if an evacuation order is issued
- Be prepared to leave on short notice when an evacuation alert is in place
- Follow instructions from emergency officials and check trusted sources for updates, including the Central Okanagan Emergency Management and the District of Lake Country website and social media channels
- Download and install the BC Services Card App on your phone. People needing support during an evacuation are encouraged to create a profile online at ess.gov.bc.ca.
Stay informed
- Download the Alertable app and subscribe to receive emergency notifications (Subscribe | Central Okanagan Emergency Operations)
Up-to-date information during emergencies in Lake Country is available through:
- coemergency.ca
- lakecountry.bc.ca
- Local media and official social media channels
“Preparedness is a shared responsibility,” said Chief Lee. “Taking action today helps ensure Lake Country remains a resilient and safe community.”