Emergency Planning Secretariat

04/17/2026

It was amazing to get (almost) all the EPS staff together during a site visit at Chawathil FN to view the incredible progress they've been undertaking in response to all the flooding and slides they've experienced since Dec 2025! These pictures just do not do justice to the scope or scale of the work:

12/19/2025

We are looking to expand our team! Current openings are for Community Preparedness Coordinator & Resilience Coordinator. See our link below to apply now:
https://ca.indeed.com/cmp/Emergency-Planning-Secretariat?campaignid=mobvjcmp&from=mobviewjob&tk=1jcrp2ac0i0gt844&fromjk=7ddc40b3d57a1727

12/11/2025

Please visit your local emergency response information center (depending on your location) to get the most up-to-date notifications of local evacuation alerts and warnings currently issued and the effected areas. Some quick informational links to use:

www.alertable.ca for an overview of all incident updates
www.drivebc.ca to check for main road closures reported
www.preparedbc.ca for a list of ways to prepare for emergencies and hazardous incidents
www.ess.gov.bc.ca/ if you have been given an evacuation order

Current available resources if needed (subject to change; please visit the City of Abbotsford and City of Chilliwack websites or social media for updates):

Abbotsford: Sand and sandbags are available outside of City of Abbotsford Public Works Yard (31739 King Rd) You will need to bring a shovel
Chilliwack: Sandbags available at Heritage park (44140 Luckakuck Way and Yarrow Sports Field (3635 Savoy Rd) You will need to bring a shovel

If you are able to, clear all storm drains and gutters of leaves and debris to help prevent water buildup and avoid driving across water-covered roads or bridges.

Most importantly, please stay away from all creeks and rivers or any fast moving water for your own safety!

12/10/2025

The River Forecast Centre has upgraded a Flood Watch to a Flood Warning for Sumas River, Lower Fraser tributaries including the Chilliwack River, Skagit River and Coquihalla River and other areas of the Fraser Valley around Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope and east through Manning Park.

A Flood Warning means river levels HAVE exceeded riverbanks or will exceed them soon. Flooding of nearby areas will happen.

✔️ Stay clear of waterways
✔️ Don't drive through flood waters
✔️ Pack grab-and-go bags

Status updates: bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca

Get Prepared: PreparedBC.ca/floods

Evacuation alerts and orders: EmergencyInfoBC.ca

12/10/2025

Keep an eye out for rising water levels and stay away from rivers, creeks and streams if you can and check in on your neighbours and vulnerable people when possible! Please don't hesitate to reach out or contact us if you need support, but if there is an immediate threat to persons or injury, please make sure your first phone call is to your local first responders or 911!

The BC River Forecast Centre has upgraded the High Streamflow Advisory to a Flood Watch for the Fraser Valley. A Flood Watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed the bankfull level. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.

Areas of Impact:
• Lower Fraser tributaries, including Chilliwack River, Skagit River, Coquihalla River, and other areas of the Fraser Valley around Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, and east through Manning Park.
• Sumas River, including the potential for spillover from the Nooksack River.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an orange level rainfall warning for Fraser Valley - Central. This warning forecasts 70 to 100 mm of rainfall from this evening (December 9, 2025) through Wednesday evening (December 10, 2025). Localized flooding is likely. Some roads may become impassable. Visibility will likely be suddenly reduced at times.

Areas of Impact:
• Fraser Valley- central, including Chilliwack and east including Hope, Hope Slide, and Highway 3 - Hope to Princeton (western sections).

Safety Reminders:
• Stay away from swift-running rivers and unstable banks.
• Do not drive through flooded roads or crossings.
• Expect possible erosion, debris slides, and localized flooding.
• Check and clear storm drains near your home to help reduce pooling.

To stay up to date on the Flood Watch, go to https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm
To stay up to date on the Rainfall Warning, go to https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/report_e.html?bcrm1519=
For more information on emergency preparedness and to sign up for emergency alerts, visit fvrd.ca/em

12/04/2025

08/29/2025

Check out our newest Job Opportunity at EPS, working with the Lower Fraser Floodplains Coalition (LFFC):
https://www.emergencyplanningsecretariat.com/_files/ugd/ab1ffd_0237e0267e994ad7a3b60678bb8fc843.pdf

08/28/2025

A HUGE thank you to Kwikwetlem Fn for hosting our ICS 100 & 200 Training this week, and a big thank you to all who made the effort to not only show up to the training everyday, but continually engage in the course. So amazing to watch communities come together to build each other up and support fellow emergency management members while working through tough situations. Big shoutout to Paul with Sandhurst Consulting for delivering a great training!

See you all next time!

08/24/2025

Evacuation Alert issued for some areas between Yale and Spuzzum affected by the Sailor Bar fire north of Hope. This fire is burning at Rank 2 fire intensity. This means a surface fire with visible, open flame and a slow rate of spread with an unorganized or inconsistent flame front. Please see link below for further details and a map of affected area, or visit our website on how you can prepare for fires and evacuations:

https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/event/wildfire-fraservalleyrd-24aug25/

08/15/2025

High stream flow and potential debris flow advisory in effect! Weather will vary across regions, but please keep an eye out in your local area and be aware of the potential risks associated with this week's rainfall event. We are expecting 50mm or more ove the nextv24 hours and potential winds.

How to prepare:
- Review your community's emergency plan and be prepared
- Advise members of expected hazards and what to be aware of
- visit our website to learn more about local hazards and how to be prepared for them

07/22/2025

COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION: Please be aware of the below forest fire notice and try to avoid the area if possible! Click the link in the original post for more information and updates.

For more information please visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status