Evacuation alert issued for lands along Chilliwack River due to flooding

The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) has issued an Evacuation Alert for lands along the Chilliwack River due to flooding.

The alert has been issued because of “the potential danger to life and safety due to an atmospheric river event with high river flows in the Chilliwack River Valley.”

Anyone in the area — located within Electoral Area E — needs to be ready to leave on short notice, the FVRD says.

The areas in question are:

• between the City of Chilliwack boundary and Allison Pool/Big Bend, any lands south of Chilliwack Lake
  and O’Byrne Road, and lands adjacent to the Chilliwack River, as shown in a map released by the regional district; and
• between Allison Pool and Chilliwack Lake, lands near the Chilliwack River, or within the Chilliwack River floodplain, including the Paulsen Road subdivision

The FVRD says all residents in the area should:

1. Locate all family members and choose a meeting place outside the evacuation alert area;
2. Pack essential items, including ID, health needs, and important documents;
3. Make plans for those who need help, such as people with disabilities, seniors, and children;
4. Plan for animals, including taking pets with you and moving livestock to a safe location:
5. Arrange transportation for everyone in your household, including filling gas tanks;
6. Make plans for where to stay;
7. Set up or update your BC Emergency Support Services (ESS) profile now at ess.gov.bc.ca to receive the independent sheltering support funds; and
8. Follow instructions from emergency officials and be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is put in place.

Anyone needing assistance is asked to call the EOC Public Information Line at 778-704-0400.