The Community Flood Evacuation Guide, alongside Alertable – an emergency notification system, helps residents prepare for and in the event of an emergency.

May 1 to 7, 2022, is Emergency Preparedness Week (EPW). EPW is an opportunity for residents to learn and take action so that they are prepared in case of an emergency. This EPW, the City of Campbell River released the Community Flood Evacuation Guide and is promoting the launch of Alertable, a new emergency notification system.

“The evacuation planning guide is a valuable tool that the City is pleased to share with residents this Emergency Preparedness Week,” says Mayor Andy Adams. “This initiative enhances community safety for all, and I encourage everyone to plan their evacuation route and sign up to Alertable today.”

The City worked with BC Hydro, Wei Wai Kum First Nation and Strathcona Regional District on this emergency preparedness project to enhance community safety. A community evacuation plan that would come into effect in response to flooding from a dam breach or overflow in the Campbell River Hydroelectric System, was completed in 2020, with funding received from the Union of BC Municipalities. The Community Flood Evacuation Guide builds on this initiative to enhance community safety.

Flood zones and evacuation routes are identified and can be viewed on the City’s website and in the evacuation guide. Residents can identify their flood zone and review the suggested evacuation routes. The Strathcona Regional District and the City of Campbell River are also installing location-specific evacuation signs at Robert Ostler Park, Spirit Square, Dick Murphy Park, and the Canyon View Trail.

When the situation allows, Alertable will send emergency notifications to registered users if there is an imminent risk of flooding. The City encourages the public to register with Alertable and download the App today to be alerted to natural disasters, severe weather, and other emergency events. Alerts can be sent directly to telephones, smartphones, tablets, computers, and home smart devices. Sign up for Alertable at www.srd.ca/alerts-notifications.

“Since 2014, we’ve been working closely with the Campbell River community on the interim downstream risks below our Campbell River system dams should a major earthquake take place,” said BC Hydro’s Stephen Watson. “We appreciate the ongoing community education and awareness of the risk, and highly support the City’s development, in collaboration with BC Hydro, of the Downtown Flood Evacuation Route Planning Guide. It makes things very clear on how to move out of the evacuation area. And the good news is, to maintain downstream public safety, BC Hydro has proposed capital projects to seismically upgrade our three dams. Once we have the regulatory and funding approvals, the upgrade work may begin in 2023 and be complete by 2029.”

“The evacuation guide helps prepare residents for the worst-case scenario, such as if communications networks are impacted following an earthquake,” says Assistant Fire Chief Stephanie Bremer. “Remember, if it knocks you down, go to high ground. Residents should assume risk of imminent flooding and evacuate the area as quickly as possible. Communications would be shared as soon as networks are restored.”

For more information, visit www.campbellriver.ca/emergencies.

###

Contact: Stephanie Bremer, Assistant Fire Chief | 250-286-6266 | stephanie.bremer@campbellriver.ca

Full News Release