Monday, May 7, 2018

Evac Order to be downgraded to alert for Nazko Valley

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District's Emergency Operations Centre:
As of 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8, the Cariboo Regional District will be downgrading both evacuation orders for the Nazko area to an evacuation alert, which means residents will be allowed to return to the area tomorrow morning.
See a map of the areas that will be on evacuation alert: https://bit.ly/2Ii6NDo  
The CRD is coordinating the lifting of the evacuation order with the Nazko First Nation; however, the Nazko First Nation will separately announce when their evacuation order is lifted.
While it is safe to return to the area, there is still potential for future flooding, which is why the area remains on evacuation alert. Residents must be prepared in case the area receives a future evacuation order on short notice. Information about what to do when on evacuation alert is listed below.
Residents returning to the area are strongly encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup
Transportation Back Into the Area
The Nazko Highway into Nazko is open, along with the Harrington and Snaking River resource roads. If you do not have transportation from Quesnel back to Nazko, please call the CRD’s public information line for assistance.
Updates on rural roads are posted at https://www.tranbc.ca/current-travel-advisories/ and information on resource road conditions can be found at www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resource-roads/local-road-safety-information.
Information Meeting on May 9
The CRD and Nazko First Nation are coordinating an information meeting for residents who are returning home. Agencies will give presentations at the meeting, share re-entry information and answer questions. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 9, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Nazko Valley Community Centre (9560 Nazko Road).
Re-Entry & Recovery Support 
Following a flood, it is important to restore your home as soon as possible so your health is protected and further damage to your house and its contents is prevented. Please read the following re-entry guide before returning home: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/preparedbc/know-the-risks/floods.
For those who are unable to return home because of damage from flooding, please contact the CRD’s public information line at 1-866-759-4977 during business hours.
For damages related to flooding, coordinate with your insurance provider or contact the Province’s Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program for uninsurable losses. For more information about DFA:
For other re-entry or recovery support questions, please call the CRD’s public information line at 1-866-759-4977 during business hours.
Water & Sewer Information
If your well has been flooded, assume that the water in your home is not safe to drink. You will probably have to disinfect your well before it is safe to use it. Check with the local environmental health officer to find out how to do this (contact information below). You may want to read “How to Disinfect Drinking Water” found at http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/hfile49b.stm.  
Flooding may cause damage to your sewage disposal field if you use the system before floodwaters have dropped below the distribution trenches in your septic field. Talk to your local environmental health officer before using your septic system after a flood.
For more information about sewer and water systems after a flood, please read: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/preparedbc/know-the-risks/floods .
Contact Northern Health’s environmental health office in Quesnel at 250-983-6810.
Remaining On Evacuation Alert
Since the area remains on evacuation alert, residents should remain prepared for an evacuation by:
  • Having a plan to transport all family members or co-workers outside the area, should the area be brought back under evacuation order.
  • Keeping essential items readily available for a quick departure, including medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc).
  • Ensuring that any dependents are prepared for departure.
  • Ensuring that pets and livestock remain in a safe area.
  • Ensuring that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. A Reception Centre will be made available again if required.
  • Monitoring reliable news sources for evacuation order information. Further information will be issued as it becomes available.
More Information
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