So, what exactly is a local state of emergency and what does it mean to you?

Chances are, you’ll be seeing the words ‘state of local emergency’ a lot in the next few weeks, but those words may be slightly deceiving if you don’t know exactly what they mean.

The City of Kelowna, for instance, made national headlines this week when it declared a sweeping, city-wide state of local emergency. But, readers shouldn’t assume that means the entire city is under water, that widespread evacuation orders are in place, or that transportation routes are cut. It’s much more bureaucratic than that.

Cities declare these emergencies for a number of reasons — to access funding, conduct mitigation work, and to get special authoritative powers not otherwise available to them. And while some emergencies are declared in the midst of a disaster, they can also be called before the potential disaster strikes.

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations information officer Cheryl Wiebe calls the declaration a “planning tool” that helps communities get ready for a possible disaster.

“A state of local emergency is a proactive measure to assist in flood mitigation measures to help keep our community safe,” she says.

Now, don’t get us wrong — a state of local emergency should concern you. It’s a warning sign that conditions are ripe for potential disaster and you should get organized, especially if you live near a waterway or in a low-lying area. But it should trigger thoughts of preparation, not panic.

Preparation is exactly what it means for local governments. Declaring a state of local emergency grants municipalities useful “emergency powers” such as the authority to use private property to prevent or alleviate the effects of a disaster and the right to demolish trees, structures or crops as needed. Governments can also prohibit travel, fix prices for food, fuel or medical supplies, order evacuations and “require” people to render assistance.

Warren Smith, emergency program coordinator in Armstrong — where a state of local emergency has been in effect since April 27 — says it’s ideal to make the declaration prior to disaster striking, although sometimes there is no advance warning. It should be noted that an “emergency” can be a flood, wildfire, explosion, technical failure, earthquake, or other force of nature.

Such declarations are not made lightly, Smith says, and require evidence of an imminent threat to people or property. Emergency coordinators pay close attention to snowpack levels, weather forecasts and creek levels to gauge the risk of flooding and have to send their declaration documents to the province for review.

Once declared, Smith says local governments are able to access funding for emergency operations and get started on preventative measures. In Armstrong, for example, crews have been diverting water from areas of concern onto nearby fields. Some of the work has required the use of private property, and although the municipality has the authority to use it, Smith says they try to work with owners as much as possible.

“The families directly impacted by the work we’re doing are in full understanding of the repercussions if we don’t do the work. They understand some water in their field over a few days or weeks isn’t going to be the same impact as if we let Mother Nature take it’s course,” Smith says.

Remember, flood conditions can change rapidly and evacuation orders and road closures can be called at a moment’s notice. It’s best to acquaint yourself with your local emergency operations centre and follow your city’s website for the latest information.

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