Emergency Info

Effective 2:00pm June 3, 2026

The Evacuation ALERT for 97 properties along Fairmont Creek in the Fairmont area has been RESCINDED.

To view the full EVACUATION ALERT, alert boundary, and tips for how to prepare during this stage visit the Evacuation Alerts and Orders page HERE.

Self-Fill sandbag stations have been set up in the following locations in the RDEK:

• Columbia Valley Area
  • Fairmont Hot Springs: Behind the old barn at Mountainside Golf Course on Hot Springs Road.
  • Windermere: Windermere Fire Hall parking lot.
  • Wilmer: Wilmer Community Hall (corner of Park St. and West Ave).
  • Canal Flats: Beside the Village Office
• Elk Valley Area
  • Fernie: Railway Avenue (next to the operations facility).
  • Hosmer: Elk River Inn parking lot (Hwy 3 at 6th Avenue).
• Cranbrook & Kimberley Area
  • Wasa: Wasa School (Wasa School Road)
  • Cranbrook: Public Works Yard on Cobham Avenue
  • Kimberley: Centennial Centre - 100 4th Avenue

Sand and empty bags are provided at each site. Please bring your own shovel and gloves

TIPS ON SANDBAGGING:

• HOW TO VIDEO:  https://youtu.be/exb2iUgH8cI?si=obKOor6qghfm-JGv
• PRINTABLE INSTRUCTION SHEET: https://www.rdek.bc.ca/web/pdf/wildfire/21.11.16_SandbaggingHOW_TO.pdf

DID YOU KNOW: It takes two people about one hour to fill and place roughly 100 sandbags, giving you a 1x20 foot wall. Make sure you have enough sand, bags, shovels and time to properly prepare. Start early. Don't wait for the waters to rise.

• Construct the sandbag dike on high ground, close to your home or building. Fewer bags will be needed, and the sandbag dike will be less exposed. 
• To be effective, a dike must be three times as wide at its base as it is high. 
• Sandbags should be turned right side out and filled half full. They need not be tied shut, just laid overlapping each other. Lap the unfilled portion under the next sandbag.
• The open ends of the sandbags should be facing away from the water or uphill so that the moving water will not remove the sand from the bags as readily. 
• As individual bags are put in place, press firmly in place. 
• Each successive layer should be set back one-half sandbag width on both sides in each additional layer so a completed dike has a triangular cross-section. 

The primary responsibility for protection of property lies with the property owner.

CLICK HERE to view the 2026 Flood Preparedness Newsletter.

Owners of properties that are historically flood-prone, adjacent to rivers, creeks or streams, or in low-lying areas that can be impacted by elevated river and stream levels are encouraged to prepare for higher water levels as spring freshet is underway and a FLOOD WATCH has been issued for the region.

Here are a few things to consider as part of your personal preparedness:

1. Culverts and ditches:  
   • Ensure ditches, water courses, and culverts on your property are not obstructed and flowing freely.
   • Culverts adjacent to public roads for driveway access to properties are the responsibility of the property owner to keep clear. 
   • Ditches along public roads & highways are the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.  If you see an obstruction in a public road ditch, please call your local contractor. Emcon covers from North of the roundabout in Radium ([hidden], ext. 200) and Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting covers the rest of the region ([hidden]).
2. Basement and crawlspace pumps: If you have a sump pump in your basement or crawlspace, test it to ensure it is working properly.
3. Downspouts and gutters: Ensure the water from your roof is being directed away from your home.
4. Sandbag & Move Valuables: put down sandbags and move valuables (like tools, vehicles, etc.) to higher ground before flooding becomes an issue to help protect your home and property. See SANDBAGGING tab for details on where to find sandbag stations and instructions on filling/placing bags.
5. Berms and water control structures: Inspect berms or water control structures for integrity, erosion, etc.
6. Insurance: Review of your homeowner’s insurance policy to determine what coverage is included.
7. Valuable documents, photos, etc.: Ensure important material susceptible to water damage that is stored in a basement or other vulnerable location is raised from the floor or stored in waterproof containers.
8. Copy documents: Keep a binder/file of important insurance, medical documents, etc. that can be easily grabbed in the event of an emergency.
9. Have an emergency kit and a grab and go kit: An emergency kit should have supplies to help you stay safe in place for up to 72hours. A grab and go kit is one that has all your essential needs if you need to grab it and evacuate 
10. Have and practice a family emergency plan

To learn more about how to prepare for emergencies, build an emergency kit or create a family emergency plan, visit www.PreparedBC.ca.