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RDEK urges caution, awareness and preparedness
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is urging caution, awareness and preparedness after a flood watch was Issued for East Kootenay June 12.
The BC River Forecast Centre has issued a Flood Watch for the East Kootenay with three days of heavy, prolonged rain in the forecast over the next 72 hours and rivers already swollen in the midst of spring freshet.
“While we are encouraging residents across the East Kootenay, particularly those with flood-prone properties or those situated near waterways, to use extreme caution and take steps to prepare now in the event of flooding, there are a few key areas that could be susceptible to debris floods or flows if the forecasted rain materializes,” said Regional Information Officer Loree Duczek.
“Fairmont Creek and Cold Spring Creek, which run through the community of Fairmont are both steep creek waterways that are more prone to debris floods during heavy rainfall events. In addition, the Morrissey and Fernie areas in the Elk Valley experienced a flood event in November, which makes these areas more vulnerable to severe weather as well.”
The RDEK is urging all residents to stay away from the creeks, to maintain situational awareness, and to ensure they are registered for the Regional Evacuation Notification System (ENS).
“The forecast is calling for up to 50mm of rain in Fairmont and up to 80mm in the Elk Valley by Wednesday. We will have members of our Flood Response Unit in the Elk Valley and Fairmont area tomorrow monitoring conditions; however, with debris floods or flows, things can change quickly and with very little warning,” added Duczek.
The RDEK strongly encourages residents to sign up for the Evacuation Notification System if they have not already done so – especially in flood-prone areas. “Once people are signed up, they will be directly alerted in the event of evacuation orders or alerts affecting their registered property. It’s a free system, is available for municipalities, First Nations and rural areas of the RDEK and is easy to sign up for,” said Duczek.
Ongoing information updates will be provided via the RDEK’s email group, on its website and social media pages.
“While we all hope the heavy rain doesn’t lead to flooding, being prepared, avoiding taking preventable risks and maintaining awareness make a big difference if it does,” added Duczek.
Sandbag stations are also being set up by regional municipalities, including the City of Cranbrook at its Public Works Yard off Cobham Avenue.
The City of Fernie has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and has set up sandbag stations at the following locations:
- Railway Ave & Ridgemont Ave (next to TJs Autobody);
- Main Sewage Lift Station parking lot off Mt. McLean Dr. at Mt. Trinity;
- In West Fernie at the intersection of Riverside Road and McLeod Ave.
A sandbagging station has been set up at the Village of Canal Flats office, on the north side of building, for anyone experiencing flooding. Please bring your own shovels and gloves. The Kootenay River level is being monitored by village staff and East Kootenay Emergency Management.
The District of Sparwood has set up a sandbag station on Engelmann Spruce Drive past the Mainroad Yard and Fire Hall #1. Sandbags are in the bin adjacent to the pile. Please bring your own shovels and gloves.
Check with your local municipality to see if sandbag stations are available.
To report significant flooding, call the 24-hour East Kootenay emergency line at 250-489-9677. For flood preparedness information, visit www.preparedbc.ca.
e-KNOW file photos
e-KNOW
