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Notes from City Hall
JulyFest 2017
This upcoming weekend is JulyFest. The City of Kimberley would like to remind everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly, but most of all – HAVE FUN!
Wildfires, what can you do to be prepared?
Many wildfires in B.C. occur far from cities and towns, but sometimes they threaten homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Help keep your family safe by preparing in advance for a potential evacuation alert or order. Develop a household plan, put together your emergency kit, and connect with your neighbours. Keep your vehicles gassed up in case of an emergency situation. Imagine waiting in line behind a hundred cars for fuel to leave or even worse, there be no fuel or power. Report any wildfires or irresponsible behaviour to 1-888-663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.
For information on how you can be prepared.
Fire Ban
Until further notice, a FIRE BAN has been issued for the City of Kimberley. All fire permits including BBQ pits are suspended. These prohibitions do not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes, or to a portable campfire apparatus with a CSA or ULC rating that uses briquettes, liquid or gaseous fuel, so long as the height of the flame is less than 15 centimetres. The use of a campfire apparatus that does not meet these specifications is prohibited.
The Southeast Fire Centre has also issued an open fire and campfire ban.
Smoky air and your health
Forest fire smoke is a complex and dynamic mixture of gasses and very small particles that can irritate the respiratory system and cause systemic inflammation. This will be an ongoing concern as air quality in affected areas may be variable for days or weeks.
Advice to minimize health effects:
If you have a chronic condition, have rescue medication on hand at all times and a plan to follow if your rescue medication cannot bring your condition under control.
Look for indoor environments that might be less smoky, such as shopping malls, community centres and libraries.
Avoid physical exertion because the amount of smoke you breathe increases as your breathing rate increases.
Try using a HEPA filter in your home furnace.
Keep hydrated as it helps your body deal with inflammation.
Keep N95 masks on hand to offer some protection if conditions become extreme.
If you are feeling unwell, remember you can call 811, a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia. If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Watering reminder
Watering must be done between the hours of 4 to 10 a.m. AND 6 to 10 p.m. Residents of properties with odd-numbered addresses should water only on odd-numbered days. Residents of properties with even-numbered addresses should water only on even-numbered days. Please view our Water Shortage Response Bylaw for more information.
City of Kimberley