1136 RDKB address points on Evacuation Alert

*Submitted by the RDKB*

Due to the forecasted hot weather and heavy rainfall, a Boundary wide Evacuation Alert has been issued for properties within the 200 year floodplain, properties with potential for bank erosion and properties with potential for overland flow. The area under Evacuation Alert extends from Carmi on the West Kettle River to Christina Lake. 

The Alert Area includes 1136 address points with an estimated population of 2272. The areas are shown on the attached map. 

At this time residents are not required to evacuate, however, residents and others within the areas identified above are requested to prepare to leave the area with very short notice. Residents are also being encouraged to find accommodation with friends or family in a safe place before rivers rise, which is expected to take place between Sunday and Tuesday. 

This alert may be followed by an immediate order to evacuate should conditions worsen. 

For the full release by the RDKB view this attached link. It details which addresses are on evacuation alert.

MAY 30, 2020

RDKB Emergency Operations Centre activated to Level Three

-WEEKEND CALL CENTRE OPEN TO PUBLIC AT 1-888-747-9119

• The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated to Level Three in preparation for heavy rain and possible flooding events anticipated in the region.
• An EOC call centre has been set up for Boundary residents. The toll-free number for the call centre is 1- 888-747-9119. The call centre is staffed from 8 am to 4 pm daily and callers can leave voicemails after hours for non-emergencies. To report flooding or erosion after hours, contact the Provincial Emergency Coordination Centre at 1-800-663-3456. For any other emergency call 911.
• Twenty-five EOC staff including partner agencies are working remotely and on site in the Boundary. The EOC includes full participation from member municipalities and electoral areas, provincial government ministries, the RCMP, search and rescue groups, the Interior Health Authority, the Canadian Red Cross and others.
• An additional 50 personnel from our partnering agencies including 40 BC Wildfire Service crew members are working on the ground constructing protective works or carrying out other emergency functions within the Boundary. All are working together to ensure the continued safety Boundary residents and protection of local infrastructure.

 

Crews to install flood protection works in Grand Forks area

Due to potential widespread flooding, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and the City of Grand Forks are working together with flood protection experts to install temporary flood protection works in the City of Grand Forks and Area D / Rural Grand Forks beginning on May 30.

Crews will install flood protection equipment including Tiger Dams™ (large, tubular bladders ready to be filled with water)

Flood protection works will be installed in these locations, and are subject to change as conditions develop on May 30 and 31:

 

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement that forecasts strong thunderstorms with frequent lightning and very strong wind gusts Saturday and Sunday. Heavy rain may accompany these storms and widespread rainfall will accompany the low-pressure system Saturday night and Sunday which may strain local rivers.

To register for the RDKB Emergency Alerting System go to https://ca.voyent-alert.com/vras/user-registration.html.

For more information about how to prepare for the 2020 freshet, visit emergency.rdkb.com/Be- Prepared.

• Downtown Riverside Drive and 72nd Ave.
• 68th from industrial bridge to Interfor
• Granby road
• Riverside
• South Ruckle
• East Side businesses
• 19th Street
• Beatrice Street

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Residents are advised to stay well clear of any ongoing flood protection activities and to expect traffic disruptions or changes. Sandbags and sand are currently available for residents in the following locations:

• Beaverdell behind the Fire Hall
• Westbridge Hall
• Riverside Centre in Rock Creek
• Grand Forks Arena

Residents must bring their own tools and equipment (shovels, transportation) and respect a physical distance of two metres (six feet) between workers as they fill sandbags.