RDKB urges public to be aware when dealing with flood water
By Boundary Sentinel
The Boundary region is not out of the woods yet in regards to flooding in the region.
Which is why the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is urging citizens to be aware when dealing with flood water.
The RDCK on its Twitter account is advising the public not to ever try to walk or drive through flood water.
“Six inches can carrry or knock over an adult and 12 inches of fast moving water can carry away a small car.”
The RDKB is urging public to respect the power of flood water and use extreme caution.
In a news release earlier this week, the RDKB has some suggestions to help the public deal with recent flooding conditions.
Here are a few tips to help residents in low-lying areas to begin to prepare for higher waters by taking immediate measures.
- Build sandbag dikes to protect at-risk properties
- Move livestock to higher ground
- Turn off gas, electrical and water-supply mains (contact your local utility for assistance)
- Plug toilets in basements and plug drains in low floors
- If your dwelling is at risk sand bags are available at no cost
The RDKB is also advising livestock owners are also advised to prepare for potential flooding.
Owners are strongly advised to take measures to prepare for higher water including:
- Move livestock to another site on the farm out of the hazard zone if possible
- Identify other sites or farms where livestock can safely be relocated outside of the evacuation area.
- Identify available transportation avenues and ensure you have appropriate livestock ID for movement
- Contact the EOC to request information about relocating livestock if needed
- Inform the EOC when you are relocating livestock
- Funding may be available to assist eligible farm businesses with commercial livestock relocation
- EOC engages with Ministry of Agriculture to coordinate livestock relocation as required
Other clarification notes and information for pets and hobby farms.
- Animal owners should have a plan for plan for their animals to make sure they’ll have food, water, shelter and any veterinary supplies they need:
- Make arrangements for pets and hobby animals in case you have to go to a shelter where they cannot be with you.
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Commercial livestock producers involved in farm businesses should make relocation arrangements where possible. Commercial livestock may be relocated under an Evacuation Alert with approval from the EOC. Please contact your EOC to discuss your situation.
Due to the increased possibility of animals becoming lost or disoriented, please ensure you have a way of identifying your animals:
- Pets and hobby animals may have tattoos, licenses and/or computer chips, make sure you have some documentation of that method and take some pictures. Horses may have brands but many do not.
- A s a precaution take some pictures and possibly braid a small tag with your name andcontact information into their mane where they are not likely to rip it off.
- Livestock are likely to have brands, tattoos, and/or RFID tags, but taking some extra pictures and having their documentatio ready to go is prudent.
