The spring freshet has started and snow melt in the mountains means heavy water volumes coursing through local creeks.

Property owners who are in low-lying areas adjacent to creeks, streams and Okanagan Lake should be taking precautions now, before the flood risk increases. Creeks could overflow if the weather brings a few days of high temperatures or there is an unusually heavy rainfall.

Local firehalls are stocked with sand bags which are available to the public residents must supply their own sand.

The City of Kelowna checks potential trouble spots daily Monday to Friday clearing culverts, beaver dams and other blockages that could lead to flooding. Regional District of Central Okanagan Parks employees are also monitoring creeks in Regional District Parks. Anyone noticing a potential problem or flooding concern in the Central Okanagan is asked to call the Kelowna Fire Department at: 469-8801.

Property owners are reminded they are responsible for protecting their own lands.

For those using creekside hiking trails, please be aware that the banks may be slippery and unstable as faster rushing water is filling the creeks. People with small children and pets should keep them safely away from creek banks so they won’t accidentally be swept into the rushing water.