Safety and Emergency Information

Staying Safe in Lake Country

By following these safety tips and being prepared for emergencies, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in Lake Country.

Safety Tips

At Lake Country, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors. We understand the importance of being prepared for any unexpected events or emergencies that may arise. This page serves as a valuable resource for safety tips, emergency contact numbers, and disaster preparedness information to help you stay informed and safe in our beautiful community.

Wildfires

Be cautious with open flames, grills, and campfires. Follow local fire regulations, and in case of a fire, call emergency services immediately.

Report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour to 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone. Public information is crucial to ensuring wildfires are responded to as soon as possible.

Flood Protection and Preparedness

Flooding can occur in Lake Country during heavy rains or snowmelt. If you live in a flood-prone area, have a plan for evacuating your home.

Explore Public Safety Canada’s resources regarding the National Disaster Mitigation Program for valuable insights. These guidelines and legal provisions can be leveraged by local government officials, diking authorities, and community members to effectively address and mitigate potential flood-related consequences within their areas.

Campfires

A campfire is a controlled fire intended for cooking, heat, and illumination during camping or in residential backyards. It is only allowed on private property.

To engage in campfire activities:

  1. Obtain explicit permission from the property owner.
  2. Use well-seasoned campfire-style wood exclusively.
  3. Ensure the fire’s dimensions do not exceed 1 meter in both diameter and height.
  4. Maintain constant supervision over the fire.
  5. Have appropriate firefighting equipment readily accessible to prevent any potential escalation.
  6. Keep the fire at a minimum distance of 3 meters from any flammable materials.

Get Your Home Ready

In times of a disaster, expect disruptions to your phone, gas, electricity, and water services. Roads might be inaccessible, stores could shut down, and gas stations may not be operational. It could take several weeks before infrastructure, utilities, and vital services are back to normal. Are you ready to handle such situations?

FireSmart Home

The Advanced Home Assessment Program is a voluntary property assessment initiative for residents who want to assess and reduce the wildfire risk to their homes and properties. It serves as the next step after using the FireSmart Begins at Home app or completing the self-assessment scorecard.

Burning Regulations

Only individuals who own properties measuring 1 hectare (equivalent to 2.5 acres) or larger are eligible to request an open burning permit. These permits can be obtained either at the Municipal Hall or at the Fire Administration facility located at Station 71, 10575 Okanagan Centre Road East.

It’s important to note that open burning is strictly regulated in accordance with Burning Bylaw 612, 2007. Typically, the permitted burning periods span from January 1 to April 30 and from October 1 to December 31. However, the commencement of these periods may be subject to delay based on prevailing weather conditions and fire hazard ratings.

Burning Permit

Please be aware that open burning on eligible properties necessitates a valid Burning Permit. Online Burning Permit applications will be processed within 48 business hours (usually the next business day). Burning permits will be available for eligible property owners from their local fire service.
 

Kindly submit your burning application online, ensuring that you provide all the requested information.

Before making a payment, be on the lookout for an email containing your Reference Number (essential for online payment). Please refrain from making a payment without this Reference Number, as it is crucial for matching your payment with your application. Note that payment is a prerequisite for the Burning Permit to become effective. Upon successful processing and confirmation of payment, your burning permit will be sent to you via email.

Applications are accepted through:

  • The online form (accessible via the blue button link above) when Open Burning is permitted (from October to March).
  • In-person submissions at Municipal Hall (10150 Bottom Wood Lake Rd).
  • In-person submissions (cash only) at Lake Country Fire Administration (11063 Okanagan Centre Road East).

You can also contact the Open Burning Hotline at 1-855-262-2876 to verify if burning is permitted on the day you plan to conduct it.

Emergency Preparedness

The Fire Department of the District of Lake Country oversees the coordination of emergency response and preparedness efforts within the District. Please explore the following essential documents and plans for further information:
 

Emergency Preparedness Tips

Lake Country may experience various natural disasters. It’s essential to be prepared for such events. Here are some disaster preparedness tips:

  1. Ensure your vehicle always has a half-full gas tank.
  2. Assemble emergency kits for your residence, workplace, and automobile.
  3. Develop a comprehensive emergency plan.
  4. Acquire an emergency kit.
  5. Designate an out-of-province contact.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

Emergency Contact Information

In times of crisis, knowing who to contact can make all the difference. Here, you’ll find essential emergency contact information for various services.

Stay informed about Central Okanagan emergency activations by subscribing to Regional Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) email notifications. You’ll receive timely updates whenever the EOC responds to an emergency in the Central Okanagan region.

Sign up

In the event of an emergency or witnessing a disaster, please dial 9-1-1 and request assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance service. If you accidentally dial 9-1-1, please do not disconnect the call, as all 9-1-1 calls require proper investigation and attention.