Sooke Emergency Program

With increased rainfall in the forecast, residents are reminded that the self-serve sandbag station at Ed Macgregor Parking Lot is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bags and sand are provided at no charge by the District of Sooke and Emergency Management BC. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels and to only take what they need to ensure there is sufficient supply for others. Thank you, and stay dry!

This is the time of year when wood burning stoves and fireplaces are getting a lot of use to keep us warm and cozy. Have chimneys and vents cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year. Burn clean, dry, and seasoned wood and never leave a burning fireplace unattended.

Please drive with extra caution over the next week. Sub-zero temperatures, snow and rain are all in the forecast. Morning roads will be slippery. Ensure your vehicle has good tires, and that you have an emergency kit in your car, including snacks and water. Charge your phones up before you leave the house. Be safe out there Sooke!

The Sooke rainfall forecast is minimal compared to other areas in the province. Two atmospheric rivers are expected to bring between 50-100mm of rain to some areas of BC over the next week, while Sooke is projected to get from 5-10mm. The rainy season is now upon us - always a good reminder to prepare for winter storms and potential flooding and power outages. Pull out your emergency kit and make sure it is ready to go! https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/two-atmospheric-rivers-forecast-to-hit-the-b-c-coast-within-a-week

The District is participating in The Great BC Shakeout at 10:20am today! Visit us at Western Foods between 10am and noon today to learn more about earthquake and tsunami preparedness in Sooke. Get ready to drop, cover and hold and test your emergency preparedness skills during the biggest earthquake drill in BC! For more info visit https://www.shakeoutbc.ca/

The Capital Region Tsunami Information Portal was launched today. Click the link, learn about the risks, and check out the Interactive Map. Enter your address in the upper right hand corner to see if you are in the tsunami inundation zone (based on a 9.0 earthquake). https://capital-region-tsunami-information-portal-bcgov03.hub.arcgis.com/

The campfire ban is being lifted today - effective at noon.

A few hot days on the horizon (up to 28 degrees in Sooke Tues/Wed). Thanks for all you have done to prepare and stay cool this summer, Sooke! The warm weather continues to dry out our forest fuels. The brush fire in East Sooke today was a good reminder to stay vigilant. With appreciation to the East Sooke Fire Dept. and mutual aid crews for their efforts to contain the fire.

Sustained high temperatures throughout British Columbia this week are increasing the potential for wildfires. Please read this information bulletin on being prepared to travel and recreate safely. We wish you all a safe and enjoyable long weekend! Thank you for your help in reducing the number of wildfires in B.C.’s forests.

Be prepared for risk of wildfires over the long weekend | BC Gov News Sustained high temperatures throughout British Columbia this week are increasing the potential for wildfires.

A HEAT WARNING has been issued for the Greater Victoria area. Check in on vulnerable friends and family regularly. Stay out of the sun when possible, wear a hat, use sunscreen - try to stay cool and drink lots of fluids.

Overview of Latest Heat Warning: VIR Overview of Latest Heat Warning: VIR