**** VERY EXTENSIVE ALBERTA GOVERNMENT UPDATE: #4 JUST RELEASED*** June 22, 2013 Update 4: Government continues to respond to flooding emergency Current situation update 25 confirmed state of local emergencies as of 1 p.m. 29 active local Emergency Operations Centres in southern Alberta, including municipalities, First Nations, and private industry (Fortis) Medicine Hat - Evacuation notices were delivered throughout Friday evening. Gas will be turned off in homes and businesses in the evacuation area by 2 p.m. Saturday. Approximately 70 inmates at the Medicine Hat Remand Centre (MHRC) were transferred Friday evening. Approximately 30 were transferred to the Lethbridge Correctional Centre and 40 to the Calgary Remand Centre. As well, intermittent serving inmates at the MHRC have been issued a temporary absence permit with the condition that they remain home during their weekend period of detention. Tourism, Parks and Recreation staff have evacuated 675 people from 43 campgrounds and facilities, including partial evacuation of the Delta Lodge in Kananaskis Village. They have participated in 17 aerial rescue operations to assist 108 people and provide supplies to others. The provincial visitor information centre in Canmore is open for extended hours to help travellers make alternative travel plans based on current information. Visitor Information Centres throughout southern Alberta and as far north as Red Deer are also extending their hours to help travellers locate accommodation and find alternate routes to travel. Up-to-date information about provincial parks impacted by flooding is available online and the 1-800-ALBERTA (252-3782) contact centre is staying open extended hours this weekend to assist visitors with their information needs and provide rerouting suggestions. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has confirmed that actions to stop the flow of gas from the damaged sour gas pipeline in Turner Valley were successful. Complaints and emergencies related to the environment or energy operations should be reported to the Alberta Energy Regulator’s 24-hour response line at 1-800-222-6514. As flooding worsens in Alberta, the AER continues to monitor industry activity. At this time, no incidents have occurred that present a threat to public health or safety. Oil and gas producers are responsible for monitoring their facilities, ensuring they are operating safely, and notifying the AER should problems occur. What you need to know if you’ve been affected by flooding Do not return to your communities until your local authorities have given permission to do so. For family re-unification, call the Red Cross information line at 1-866-696-6484. Donations can be made to the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 or existing aid organizations. Only financial donations are required at this time. Please do not make non-monetary donations or bring donations to reception centers. To volunteer, call 1-866-628-6565. This is a toll-free line hosted by Samaritans Purse. Portions of 13 highways remain closed, three ferries are closed and three sections of highway are open to emergency vehicles only. For the most up-to-date information on highway conditions and closures go to 511.alberta.ca, follow @511Alberta or call 511. For the safety of all motorists, the RCMP and Alberta Transportation officials encourage individuals to avoid stopping on the shoulders of the highway or walking along the highway to view flooded areas. Follow signs and stay away from damaged bridges. Boil water alerts have been issued for a number of communities. Details on current boil water orders are available online. Anyone in areas where flooding and heavy rainfall is occurring should: Listen to local media reports and follow instructions from law enforcement and local officials. Sign up to receive emergency alerts from Alberta Emergency Alert at emergencyalert.alberta.ca. Avoid any rivers or streams in those communities. Everyone in affected communities is encouraged to stay connected to local authorities and to obey evacuation orders in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Social services information Alberta Works clients who receive benefits by cheque rather than electronic deposit, and who are impacted by flooding in southern Alberta, can call Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135 (then press 1) or send an email to [email protected] to find out how to receive benefits. Residents receiving benefits from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program by cheque rather than electronic deposit, and who are impacted by flooding in southern Alberta, are advised to call the Calgary AISH office at 403-297-8511 during regular office hours. If families or contracted service providers need any human, financial, or in-kind assistance to safely evacuate, accommodate and provide individuals receiving PDD supports, please contact your local regional board for more information. More information available at humanservices.alberta.ca/flood-update.html. Flood and weather conditions For current flood warnings and water level conditions: environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/advisories/index.html For more detailed information on weather and stream conditions, see the forecaster’s comments: environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/ForecastersComments/index.html Hospitals Up-to-date information on facilities is posted on the Alberta Health Services webpage. Reception Centres In communities where there have been large evacuations, municipalities have set up reception centres. Albertans who have evacuated are encouraged to register at a reception centre. Schools Albertans should check with their local school board for the most up-to-date information. Students who were scheduled to write diploma exams in affected areas will be eligible to receive exemptions, or alternatively, have the option of writing diploma exams in August. Other Information The most up-to-date information about affected communities is available at emergencyalert.alberta.ca. Farm flooding information Registries - Service Alberta has put in measures for Albertans who have driver’s licenses or motor vehicle registrations expiring in the next few days. Expiring driver’s licenses and registrations across the province will be deemed valid until evacuation orders are lifted. Links to emergency information, community contacts and disaster recovery is available at alberta.ca. The Alberta government is fully engaged in supporting the efforts of local communities and first responders. The Provincial Operations Centre (POC) is operating at Level 4, the highest level and is coordinating the efforts by the three levels of government. Key federal departments are active in the POC.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Jun 2013 21:53:14 +0000
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