UPDATE: RDBN Chair Bill Miller on Smithers Evacuation Alert

The Bulkley River has been upgraded to a flood warning and that has prompted the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako (RDBN) to put an Evacuation Alert in effect for the Ebenezer Flats, Electoral “A” Area in Smithers.

RDBN Chair Bill Miller tells us about the thought process behind issuing the alert.

“When a region has been issued a flood warning, there are many experts that come together to make sure a plan is in place for those impacted areas. As the river begins to rise, it will become an imminent threat of cutting people off and puts them in an unsafe situation, hence why we have issued the alert.”

Miller says now that the alert is in place, people must be prepared for a worst-case scenario.

“The alert has been issued and hopefully this ensures enough time for people to plan accordingly. People must be constantly monitoring the situation because, at any given time, the evacuation order can be given. We will try to give people as much warning as possible, but with the unpredictability of water, you could be forced from your residence in mere minutes.”

Miller ensures us that if you are impacted by an evacuation order, the RDBN has your back.

“For starters, we’ve got sandbags for property owners to protect their things. If an evacuation order is placed, we will set up response shelters to aid those who are forced from their homes as well. This will ensure people have a roof over their head and services they need until the danger passes.”

Miller says the key to getting through these tough times, is staying prepared.

PREPARATION FOR EVACUATION ORDER:

• Monitoring your local radio station and the RDBN website
• Locating all family members or co-workers and plan to meet at the designated Reception Centre outside the evacuation area, should an evacuation be called
• Gathering essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependants and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc)
  • Have items available for quick departure
• Arranging accommodation for your family if possible
  • In the event of an evacuation, a Reception Centre will be opened
• Preparing to move any disabled persons and/or children
• Moving pets and livestock to a safe area
• Arranging to transport your household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order
• Residents are reminded that flood waters may contaminate shallow wells and other water sources
  • If your well has been flooded, assume the water in your home has been contaminated
  • If water is contaminated, bottled water is the best choice for drinking water
• If you use a septic field and it has been flooded, please be sure the floodwater has drained well below the level of the distribution trenches before you begin using it

For more information, you can click here.

Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako at 250-692-3195 or 1-800-320-3339.