Better safe than flooded

Photo: File photo

Spring has sprung and that means warmer temperatures, melting snow and concerns about flooding.

But work done in Meaghan Creek in Armstrong in recent weeks will hopefully alleviate some of those concerns.

Mayor Chris Pieper said dredging along the creek is going well and he hopes the works will prevent flooding that has hit certain parts of town two years in a row.

“Hopefully it will be done before the water comes. They are supposed to be done by the end of March,” said Pieper.

But the North Okanagan municipality is preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best.

As part of the Emergency Management Plan, officials are preparing for the possibility of flooding.

Armstrong is committed to assisting with protecting the City, residents and businesses that may be impacted by a potential flood; all residents, property and business owners have a part to play.

The City would like to remind property owners that they are responsible for their own flood mitigation efforts.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• sandbagging;
• subscribing to flood insurance coverage; and
• creating an emergency kit.

Property owners are encouraged to remove or secure all items on the property that may create hazards if they were to be swept up into flood water.

These items may become submerged or create surface debris that can increase the impact of flooding and create blockages or hazards.

A free sandbagging station is set up at our public works yard at the corner of Patterson Ave and Becker Street.