VICTORIA – With heavy rains
expected along the South
Coast between Tuesday
evening and Thursday morning, the Province has activated three Provincial
Regional Emergency Operations Centres and the Provincial Emergency Coordination
Centre to support local authorities in responding to potential local flooding.
As much as
80-100 mm of rain is expected for Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, and
as much as 100-150 mm is expected for the Fraser Valley,
raising the potential for flooding in these areas. The Province has been
helping communities prepare by working with local authorities and other
agencies to share the most up-to-date information about forecasts and
preparation work. As well, the Province has been working with communities to
ensure adequate supplies of sandbags, distributing additional bags to
communities that have requested them.
The
public is asked to take the following precautions to ensure personal safety and
minimize the impacts of flooding on local properties:
- Avoid small
creeks and rivers as their channels tend to be narrow and can fill up
quickly. Also, eroded banks result in unstable ground. Most importantly,
keep children and pets away from stream banks.
- Watch for
changing conditions, particularly if you live in low-lying areas or near
waterways.
- Shovel snow
away from the house or basement windows and check catch basins on the
street to ensure they’re not blocked.
- To report
severe flooding in your area, contact your local municipal government.
Listings can be found in the blue pages of the phone book.
- Check perimeter
drains around your property and ensure they are clear of ice and debris.
- Always follow
the instructions of local emergency officials. Emergency preparedness
information can be found on the following website: www.pep.bc.ca
- If rising
waters become a threat to your safety, obey emergency officials who are
involved in rescue or flood control operations, including those directing
traffic.
- Drive
carefully. Never try to drive through floodwater. If a car stalls in
floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground. If you are planning
to travel, follow current highway conditions and any road closures. Check Drive BC
at www.drivebc.ca.
- Ensure you have
a battery-powered radio in working order, with spare batteries, to listen
to instructions from local emergency officials.
- It is a good
idea to organize your individual and family emergency kit. It should
contain important documents, prescription medication, a flashlight and
first aid kit.
Since 2007,
the Province has spent $25.6 million on flood mitigation projects across the
province. See attached backgrounder for a listing of completed projects in the Fraser Valley.
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Contact:
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Susan Williams
Public Affairs Officer
Provincial Emergency Program
250 952-4846
After hours: 250 213-6340
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Cindy Rose
Public Affairs Officer
Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961
After hours: 250
213-3602.
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