City Of Kimberley officials have issued an evacuation alert for Morrison Subdivision and a portion of Wallinger Avenue as flood waters in Kimberley Creek rose almost two feet overnight in the midst of heavy rainfall.

The alert affects approximately 40 homes in Morrison Subdivision and the section of Wallinger Avenue numbered 2-98. Kimberley Search and Rescue are assisting with door to door notifications about the alert and how to prepare.

An evacuation alert means people should take steps now to prepare themselves so they are ready to leave immediately should the situation worsen. Preparations should include gathering medications, personal toiletries, a change of clothing, identification, insurance papers and other important documents and emergency items.

Although only an evacuation alert is in place, emergency personnel are evacuating anyone with mobility issues or medical conditions requiring assistance.

A reception centre has been set up at the Kimberley Curling Club and the city is asking anyone choosing to leave their homes in this area is being asked to check in at the reception centre.

“City crews are sandbagging, pumping and diking around the clock. We have four pumps and one fire truck pumping steady and are redirecting water where we can. We also have a vacuum truck ensuring the storm water system remains clear,” explained Kimberley Mayor Ron McRae. “We have a number of volunteers out helping and just received 4000 additional sandbags.”

Water levels did drop slightly this morning and crews are continuing to monitor Kimberley.

Currently the city is experiencing high water levels in its water ways, and as the weather warms and more rain falls, levels are expected to increase. The public is being urged to stay away from the water ways in the City of Kimberley as water levels are rising sharply.

“The water is getting higher and flowing faster and we want people to stay away from the creeks,” emphasized McRae.

Sand bags are available for residents to fill and take home at Centennial Hall.

“Our goal is to ensure we respond as efficiently as possible, to keep the community informed about the current situation, and to provide additional information to help people prepare should the waters continue to rise,” adds McRae.

For those who are experiencing flooding, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind to minimize property damage and increase safety, including:

• Turn basement furnaces off and shut off outside gas valves

• Turn off electrical power. If the area surrounding the switch is wet, stand on a dry surface and reach with a dry wooden stick.

• Add 2.5 liters of disinfectant (ie: bleach) to basement flood waters every two or three days

• If you suspect your drinking water is contaminated, purify it by boiling, using purification tablets or chlorinate with a bleaching compound.

• Listen for local instructions on a battery-powered radio

• Pump as required.

The City has posted information on its website www.Kimberley.ca detailing the proper way to stack sandbags, flood protection basics, and things to remember if your house is flooding.

The city held a Town Hall Meeting yesterday (April 24) at Centennial Hall to provide an update on the current flooding situation and information from the City of Kimberley’s Operations Department.

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