Skip to content

FVRD activates its emergency operations centre to monitor Fraser River levels

FVRD activates its emergency operations centre to monitor Fraser River levels
21672329_web1_CareyPointFreshetDrone2
A two-year-old image of the Fraser River near Chilliwack, during freshet as the water levels were rising on May 10, 2018. (Paul Henderson/ Progress file)

With warm temperatures and rain in the forecast, the Fraser Valley Regional District has activated its emergency operations centre to Level 1 freshet watch.

“The FVRD’s emergency plan has not yet been activated,” according to the May 27 release from FVRD about the beginning of its monitoring phase.

Many local governments use the flood gauge at Mission - known as the Mission Gauge - as a guideline for flood planning and response.

The FVRD emergency operations plan is activated when water levels at the Mission Gauge reach 6.5 metres.

The FVRD’s EOC website, fvrd.ca/EOC, will provide the most up-to-date information available, as the 2020 freshet continues. It also uses Alertable, a free public alerting app, which can be installed on your mobile devices.

“All citizens should use extreme caution near watercourses, especially the banks of the Fraser River.”

If an evacuation alert or order is issued for electoral areas within the FVRD, they will be hand delivered door-to-door. Alerts and orders will also be posted on the EOC website, FVRD social media channels, and sent out using the Alertable App.

“The FVRD will continue to monitor conditions and will issue further notifications, alerts, and/or orders as necessary.

Be prepared in case of an emergency. Make sure your family has an emergency kit ready with basic supplies such as food, water, medications, toiletries, and personal papers (i.e. insurance, emergency contacts, identification).

If your property is outside of dike protection, consider moving valuable items to the upper floor(s) of your home.

Learn more about what to do before, during, and after a flood by visiting preparedbc.ca/floods

If you have questions or require additional information, please contact us at 604-702-5000 or emergencyinfo@fvrd.ca.

READ MORE: Watching the levels for 2020


Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:
jfeinberg@theprogress.com


@CHWKjourno
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
Read more