RDCK

Evacuation Alert rescinded for Duhamel Creek

1:30 pm

Nelson, BC:  The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has rescinded the Evacuation Alert for 165 properties in the Six Mile Duhamel Creek community, just north of the City of Nelson, around the Duhamel Creek fan in Electoral Area F.

A hydrologist assessment indicates the water levels of Duhamel Creek are below the banks and contained within the channel.  The current Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast supports a rescind of the Evacuation Alert.

Evacuation Alert Rescinded PDF

BC River’s Forecast Centre’s flood watch remains in place for the West Kootenay region which covers the entire RDCK. Residents are advised to remain prepared. The key to emergency preparedness is knowing the risks and having a plan. Know the hazards in your areas and take the time NOW to assemble your family Emergency Kit and Grab and Go Bag. Your plan should also include where you will meet if you need to evacuate, including how you would move pets and livestock to a safe area, in the event the situation worsens, and an Evacuation Order is enforced.

A reminder that fast-flowing rivers pose increased risk to safety. Stay away from rivers and river banks, which can be unstable. Never drive through floodwaters, as unseen hazards and current can be life threatening. All residents should exercise extreme caution around rivers and creeks and report erosion, landslides, or flooding to the Provincial Emergency Coordinator Centre at 1.800.663.3456.

Information about Evacuation Orders and Alerts in the RDCK can be found on the RDCK website and Facebook. For details about evacuation and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. The RDCK EOC public inquiry line is 250.352.7701.

What residents can do to be prepared:

  • Sandbags and sand are available for residents at any of the locations listed on the RDCK website: www.rdck.ca/befloodprepared. Residents must come prepared with their own shovels to fill the bags.
  • Sign up for emergency notifications, through Voyent Alert! The RDCK uses the mass-notification system to send out critical information to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency.
  • If you will require government assistance to meet your basic needs if evacuated (like lodging or food), Emergency Support Services will be available.  Create a profile at https://ess.gov.bc.ca.
  • For details about evacuations and emergency preparedness, along with other resources, please visit www.rdck.ca/eocinfo. Follow the RDCK website and Facebook for the most up to date information.
  • If you have livestock or large animals, now is the time to consider moving them.
  • If you are not physically able to evacuate yourself, contact the EOC public inquiry line at 250.352.7701.

For more emergency preparedness resources:

Click here to view a print-friendly version. Download