CRD EOC activates for flooding in West Chilcotin

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District's Emergency Operations Centre:

The Cariboo Regional District activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) yesterday, July 8, 2019, to respond to flooding issues in the region. Road conditions are being assessed and affected residents should contact the Emergency Operations Centre.
 
There are some areas in the West Chilcotin, including the Big Creek and Nemiah Valley areas, currently experiencing high stream flows and flooding. The BC River Forecast Centre issued a flood watch at 4:30 p.m. on July 8 for the Chilcotin River below Big Creek and its tributaries. A flood watch means that river levels are rising and will approach or may exceed bankfull. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
 
Some roads in the areas are washed out, including Witte Road (Farwell Canyon Road) and the Gaspard Creek - Mons Creek Forest Service Road (2400 Road). Roads are Conditions for major roads are reported at the Drive BC website and forest service roads are reported at the Forest District webpage.
 
The CRD is available to provide assistance related to flooding issues:

• If you are experiencing flooding issues that affect your home or business, please contact the CRD’s public information line at 1-866-759-4977.
• If your access is cut-off due to flooding, please shelter in place, which means you should stay where you are and stay safe. Contact the CRD if you need assistance.

Call the Cariboo Regional District’s public information line at 1-866-759-4977 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. After hours, please call the CRD’s regular phone number at 1-800-665-1636 and press 5 to reach our after-hours emergency line.
 
People living near a river or stream can take some precautions to reduce the risk associated with a flood.

• Prepare personal emergency supply kits for your home, car and work (plan for at least a three-day supply of food and water for each family member)
• Have a grab-and-go kit ready if you have to leave your home quickly
• Keep important papers in watertight containers and have a record of your valuables in a safe place
• If flooding is likely in your area, pay attention to the local media for information
• Watch for warning signs: increase in height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, colour changes in water or leaning trees
• Know that banks of rivers and streams may be unstable and dangerous
• Keep a safe distance away from fast flowing water, especially children
• Teach your children about flood safety
• Consider arrangements for your pets and any livestock

Find more information on flood preparedness, current freshet conditions and emergency updates at:

• CRD Website: cariboord.ca/EOC
• CRD Emergency Operations Facebook Page: facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations
• Road Conditions:
  • drivebc.ca
  • www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/resource-roads/local-road-safety-information/cariboo-chilcotin-road-safety-information
• Prepared BC – Disaster Readiness Information: www.gov.bc.ca/preparedbc 
• BC River Forecast Centre: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/river-forecast-centre/snow-survey-water-supply-bulletin
• Sandbagging – General Information: www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/embc/flooding/sandbagging.pdf

Further information will be issued as it becomes available. Please visit the CRD Emergency Operations Facebook page at facebook.com/CRDEmergencyOperations as well as the CRD website at cariboord.ca.  For more information contact the CRD’s public information line at 1-866-759-4977 (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily).
 

Residents are strongly encouraged to register for the Cariboo Chilcotin Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders or other emergency updates:
https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup