Increased water levels due to continued inclement weather and melting snowpack are expected in the Northeast, Central and Southeast regions of British Columbia, and there is an associated potential for further flooding and landslides.

During an emergency, you and your animal companion(s) may be on your own for several days, and your pets will be relying on you to help them through it. Preparing for your pets is just as important as preparing for the human members in your household.

The Province is recommending that pet owners make a pet plan as a precaution:

• Make a list of pet-friendly family members and contact numbers for short-term boarding, if necessary. Displaced pet owners can also check with local hotels about their pet policies (these are sometimes lifted in an emergency situation).
• Prepare a pet grab-and-go bag and make sure you have everything you need for your pets for a minimum of three days, including extra supplies depending on the needs of your pet.
• Prepare if you are not at home during an emergency. Provide a trusted friend or neighbour with a key and let them know where your pet grab-and-go bag is located.
• Be in the know – if you use a kennel or day care, ask if they have an emergency plan. Stay up to date with your pet’s medications, and check with local authorities for information about organizations or resources available during an evacuation.
• Practise your plan.

Animals can become disoriented, frightened or aggressive after a disaster. Add a few items to your emergency kit to help calm your pet, such as a towel with your scent on it. You may need thick gloves to help you handle a panicked pet.

Flood Preparedness:

Flood waters move fast, so develop a household plan, put together an emergency kit, connect with your neighbours, and learn about the emergency response plan for your area.

For more information and guides, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc or click on the links in the Learn More section below.

If you face a threatening flood situation, park vehicles away from streams and waterways, move electrical appliances to upper floors, and make sure to anchor fuel supplies. Listen to local officials if you are asked to evacuate.

Learn More:

For more information on flood prevention and flood response, visit:
http://www.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc/floods (ow.ly)

For more information on pet preparedness, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/PreparedBC/pets

For information on flood conditions and evacuation orders, visit Emergency Info BC:
https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

To learn about protecting your home and property, download the PreparedBC Flood Information for Homeowners and Home Buyers guide: http://ow.ly/CL2g30bxlbJ

Sandbagging tips (three languages) and video: http://ow.ly/ugNg30bxql4

Flooding and food safety: http://ow.ly/V2T230bxqq9

For information on local road closures: https://www.tranbc.ca/southern-interior-flood-recovery-travel-advisories/

For local driving conditions: http://www.drivebc.ca/