The Fraser River in Quesnel has gone up only slightly in the past 24 hours.
Ron Richert is the Acting Emergency Services Coordinator…
“We’ve noticed maybe an inch and a half, 2 inches since yesterday afternoon at 2 p.m.,so it’s still sitting under the 470 mark so we’re safe at this point.”
The water level is still more than a metre and a half away from when the City would activate it’s Emergency Operations Centre and is two metres or more from the water threatening any properties.
Richert says they expect only a modest increase in water levels in Quesnel over the long weekend.
“I talked to a rep from Pre-Op in Prince George this afternoon and they were saying possible down by the Alexandria area to possibly go up a little bit more than it would in Quesnel. In Quesnel, they’re expecting only a few inches over the next few days.”
As for next week, Richert says that will depend on the weather.
The Cariboo Regional District advises residents in low-lying areas along the Horsefly, Fraser, Quesnel and Cottonwood Rivers that they should prepare for potential flooding and protect private property:
- Prepare personal emergency supply kits for your home, car and work (plan for at least a three-day supply of food and water for each family member)
- Have a grab-and-go kit ready if you have to leave your home quickly
- Keep important papers in watertight containers and have a record of your valuables in a safe place
- If flooding is likely in your area, pay attention to the local media for information
- Watch for warning signs: increase in height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, colour changes in water or leaning trees
- Know that banks of rivers and streams may be unstable and dangerous
- Keep a safe distance away from fast flowing water, especially children
- Teach your children about flood safety
- Consider arrangements for your pets and any livestock
The CRD’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will remain activated at Level One through the long weekend in order to enable a quick response to any flooding and to support residents who may be impacted by flooding.
In the event of an emergency call the Provincial Emergency Reporting Line at 1-800-663-3456.