Grants of $500 available to help RDOS homeowners FireSmart their properties

News Article

Homeowners living within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) can now apply for a $500 grant to help FireSmart their properties. The FireSmart Rebate is available to a limited number of homeowners within each electoral area on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“We live in a fire-prone area and the wildfire season can sneak up on us at any moment. Now is the time to book your free home hazard assessment so that you can see what work is needed to protect your home from wildfire,” says Sean Vaisler, Manager of Emergency Services. “To top it off, FireSmart is offering RDOS homeowners a $500 grant to conduct work on your property, or even to pay for your time, so get those applications in quickly.”

 About the FireSmart Rebate Program

  • Step 1: Book your free FireSmart assessment at firesmart.rdos.bc.ca. A Wildfire Mitigation Specialist will come to your home, answer your questions and prepare a list of recommendations specifically for your property.
  • Step 2: Take actions on your property, with before and after photos to show your progress. After this is completed, you will receive a FireSmart Certificate, which can be shared with insurance providers to potentially reduce rates.
  • Step 3: Complete a quick FireSmart 101 online course.
  • Step 4: Apply for your $500 rebate. This may be used to cover your own labour time, hired contractors or expenses for materials.

For further details, visit firesmart.rdos.bc.ca.

Upcoming FireSmart events

  • Okanagan Falls Recreation Centre Open House: Thursday, June 16, 2022 (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm), 1141 Cedar Street, Okanagan Falls
  • Missezula Lake Chipping Event: Saturday, June 18, 2022 (10 am to 1 pm), Missezula Community Gazebo. A chipping service will be driving through the community to chip and remove debris.
  • Hayes Creek FireSmart BBQ & Information Day: Saturday, June 18, 2022 (12 pm to 2 pm), Hayes Creek Fire Department, 3950 Princeton-Summerland Road.

Sign up for emergency alerts and routine notifications

The RDOS has partnered with Voyent Alert! to provide routine and emergency notifications throughout the region. Sign up now to receive email, text or phone notifications, or download the Voyent Alert! app through the App Store or Google Play. Once you’ve registered, you are automatically signed up for emergency notifications.

The EOC is monitoring conditions and will activate if required. If you notice flooding or other issues, please call the EOC at 250-490-4225 or the provincial Emergency Coordination Centre at 1-800-663-3456. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contacts:

Kerry Riess
RDOS FireSmart Coordinator
250-490-4392

Erick Thompson

Andrea Rendall

 

RDOS Toll Free

RDOS Communications                 

RDOS Communications

 

1-877-610-3737

250-490-4211    

250-490-4147

 

 

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