Spring
snowmelt is beginning in the Cariboo region and, with warm weather in the
forecast, residents should take steps now to prepare. Take the time to
assess your property for potential drainage issues and address any issues
ahead of time. Having an emergency kit along with a household emergency
plan are also key parts of household preparedness for any type of
emergency.
“It’s important that residents take steps now to be prepared and
proactively address any flooding issues on their property,” says Stephanie
Masun, EOC Director and CRD Manager of Protective Services. “We are
setting up sandbagging stations in key areas, but property owners are
responsible to have the tools and equipment they need to protect their
properties from potential flooding.”
“As we enter spring, it’s also really important that people use caution
around rivers, streams and culverts and make sure that children are not
playing in those areas,” Masun adds.
Unfilled bags and sand will be available at the CRD’s Wildwood and
Miocene Volunteer Fire Departments for residents who are experiencing or
want to be prepared for flooding. Bags and sand will be placed in other
communities depending on need.
If you require sandbags, stop by the Wildwood or Miocene fire halls to
pick up unfilled bags and fill them with sand. The sand and sandbags are
provided free to residents for protecting their homes; however, there is
a limited supply of sandbags, so residents are asked to take only what
they need.
Here are some additional steps residents can take to be prepared:
1. Assess your
property and buildings for potential drainage issues.
Assessing and addressing potential issues now can reap big rewards when
the snowmelt begins. Pick up sandbags if you need them and read this resource about how to use
sandbags effectively.
2. Have an emergency plan prepared
for your household.
Have a plan for your family members and their needs, consider how you
will care for or transport pets and livestock and identify how you will
get information in an emergency. Planning ahead of time will mean you can
respond quickly in an emergency.
3. Have an emergency kit prepared.
Creating a home emergency kit doesn't need to take long. Follow this basic list and remember to add
personal items, such as prescription medications, an extra pair of
eyeglasses and copies of important documents like passports, birth
certificates and insurance papers. Make sure emergency kits are in easily
accessible locations.
4. Sign up for
the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System.
Rest assured that you will be notified when an emergency affects you.
Sign up or make sure your contact information is up-to-date at cariboord.ca.
If you are experiencing flooding issues that affect your home or
business, please call the Provincial Emergency Reporting Line at
1-800-663-3456. For other concerns, contact the Cariboo Regional District
at 250-392-3351 or 1-800-665-1636.
Find more information on flood preparedness, current freshet conditions
and emergency updates at:
- CRD Emergency Operations Facebook Page
- Prepared BC – Flooding Readiness Information
(including sandbag info)
- BC River Forecast Centre – Snow Conditions and
Water Supply Bulletin
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