More storms this week as province prepares for preventing serious weather events

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“If you’re able, storm-proof your homes, at the very least, clear your gutters and drainages. Make sure your emergency supplies include drinking water stored in an accessible place, and if don’t need to travel during stormy weather, please stay home.”

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He added that those who are required to drive should keep food, water, warm clothes and blankets and other emergency supplies in their vehicles.

British Columbians in flood-prone areas are also advised to be prepared to evacuate in case an order is issued.

“I encourage everyone to take some time now to put together or refresh their emergency kits. Prepared BC has lots of great information to help you to get ready,” Farnworth stated.

People who have been ordered to evacuate their homes can access supports through local designated Emergency Support Services reception centres or through the Service B.C. contact centre line at 1-833-376-2452.

Farnworth added that thousands of people including emergency workers, soldiers, first-responders, volunteers, transport drivers, railroaders and all levels of government are working to reduce the impacts of the ongoing flooding and preparing for the upcoming storms.

“Road maintenance contractors and crews with more than 250 pieces of heavy equipment are ready to go to where they’re needed,” said Farnworth.

“More than 350 culverts have been inspected and the armed forces is supporting any necessary repairs. We have work crews and boots on the ground.”

It was also noted that helicopters and aircraft are patrolling affected areas to help assess the ongoing flooding situations and deliver food, while emergency workers have been brought in from Alberta to help on the ground.

The province is also working on creating a new B.C. Flood Strategy and is investing in hundreds of flood mitigation projects to reduce the risk of these events in the future.

Minister of Municipal Affairs Josie Osborne said the province is supporting the work to clear, repair and reopen roads impacted by flooding and mudslides, while also supporting British Columbians by connecting them to supports and services during their time of need.

It was noted during Thursday’s press conference that there have been long wait times to access the $2,000 in financial support from the province and the Red Cross, but Farnworth stated that there is no deadline or cutoff for those funds, saying if people don’t or can’t apply right away, they won’t become ineligible and the Red Cross is working to resolve the backlog situation.

Osborne added the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, along with other ministries including Transportation and Public Safety, has been in direct contact with local governments impacted by the storms to hear their concerns, share information, and answer any questions. Osborne said this collaborative effort is allowing the ministries to work together and to provide as much up to date information to local governments and First Nations.

Osborne said plans are also underway to support municipalities in building their communities back in a way that they will be better equipped to handle climate change and the weather events that come with that.

“What I’ve told local governments, and will repeat here now, is that nobody expects communities to do this alone,” said Osborne, adding that supporting recovery and rebuilding will require work from all levels of government.

“My ministry and I are working alongside our government colleagues and with our federal partners to ensure that B.C. communities impacted by flooding and mudslides get the support they need. That includes the commitment of our government and the federal government to be there as partners with financial support for rebuilding community infrastructure as we recover.”

Osborne added that, with climate change continuing to contribute to natural disasters in B.C., work must be done to prepare all communities and protect not just critical infrastructure like transportation routes, but also local facilities like water and wastewater treatment plants.

The provincial disaster financial assistance program is in place now to support municipalities restore and repair critical infrastructure. The municipal finance authority of B.C. has also offered to help municipalities meet cash-flow needs as they access other supports and programs.