Last week we shared some preliminary information on what the City is doing to prepare for flood season during COVID-19.

Additional details have now been provided by the City and are shared verbatim below.

What residents can do to prepare

While we can’t prevent flooding entirely, the best way to ease the added stress amid the COVID-19 pandemic is by taking simple steps now to be flood ready.

• Understand. Check our City flood maps on Calgary.ca/floodinfo to know if your home, community or workplace is at risk of river flooding;
  
• Prepare. Take precautions to prepare your family and your property.
  • Move valuables and documents out of your basement.
  • If you need assistance moving valuables and documents:
  • Ask someone you trust, wear a cloth face covering, and maintain a two metre physical distance from yourself and the other person.
  • If you are in self-isolation, please consider waiting until you are out of self- isolation to help limit the spread of COVID-19, or ask someone you trust to handle removal of the items for you while you remain in self-isolation.

• Review your emergency plan and consider where you might stay in the event that an evacuation order is issued. This includes knowing how you will get there and what you will need to bring. Also, avoid staying with a senior or immune-compromised individual.
  
• If you have a sump pump or backflow preventer valve, check it as part of your regular home maintenance schedule.
• Contact your insurance company to review what you would be covered for in the event you must evacuate.
  
• Stay informed.
• Install the Alberta Emergency Alert app on your cell phone, follow The City of Calgary online or on social media, and monitor local news.
  

Visit Calgary.ca/floodinfo for resources and tips to help be prepared for flood season.

Q: Will there be emergency evacuation accommodations available?

Yes. The City’s Emergency Social Service team has plans in place to accommodate displaced residents who don’t have alternate accommodations, and these plans have been adapted to ensure precautions against COVID-19. However, we will have limited capacity to house people, so citizens should have their own plan if possible which does not include a residence with a senior or immune-compromised individual.

Q: How have The City’s flood preparation changed as a result of COVID-19?

To help limit the spread of COVID-19, our flood preparations have taken into consideration physical distancing requirements in preparing for a potential flood. This includes:

• Taking special COVID-19 appropriate considerations for supporting evacuees, should these supports be needed.
• Training extra staff so all critical positions have back-ups and additional support is available, if needed.
• Planning for how crews and support services will maintain physical distancing during an emergency response.

We hope this information provides some clarity. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at info@crcactiongroup.com.

Regards,

Your CRCAG Board