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Digital sandbag inventory app created

New technology introduced to keep track of sandbags in Central Okanagan.
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Since flooding began in early May, two million sandbags have been installed as part of the flood protection measures across the Central Okanagan by residents and emergency crews, says the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations Centre.

Wednesday, the EOC, in cooperation with Emergency Management BC, launched a digital tool that used crowd sourcing to help inventory the number, location and type the sandbags on private and public property.

To add sandbags to the inventory, visit the Emergency Management BC application. Make sure you allow the app to access your current location.

• Click Start

• Fill in prompt boxes with information including the number, type of sandbags, name, phone number, photos (if desired) and comments.

• Complete all questions and click Submit

Personal information added into the app such as the name, phone number and comments will not show publicly on the map.

The data will be used for planning and assessment of the demobilization of flood protection measures, says the EOC. As plans are developed information on the removal of sandbags from public and private property including debris management will be posted at cordemergency.ca.

Flood protection measures for foreshore properties across the Central Okanagan are expected to remain in place for some time. The coordinated approach for the collection and disposal of sandbags will ensure the safest and most efficient way, minimizing ecological impact to property, creeks, streams, area lakes, wildlife habitat and ensuring the health of citizens.

Residents wanting to drop of their own sandbags at their cost can do so at the following designated depots:

• Kelowna —Cook Road Boat Launch outside the Hotel Eldorado in the Mission and on Burtch Road in the Apple Bowl parking lot

• Lake Country — Woodsdale Road in the Beasley Park parking lot

Residents looking to bolster flood protection measures can visit cordemergency.ca/map to find locations of pre-filled sandbags, sandbags and sand.

For more information, visit cordemergency.ca, sign up for e-updates or call the information line at 250-469-8490.

For municipal information on boat launches, park and beaches, and water quality advisories, visit municipal websites.