Selfadvocatenet Emergency Information Page

This page is intended to give People with Disabilities the information that needs to know in an emergency like we are experiencing with the flood disaster in our province. Also to you will find all kinds of information that help you if your looking for guidelines on what to do where can get help reach our where can find a place that is safe.

Provincial Govt update here

Update on the response to flooding events January 18th, 2022

Join Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and ministry officials for a briefing on Coquihalla Highway repair progress and an update on other affected highways.

Supports expanded for flood-affected residents

Victoria Thursday, January 20, 2022 1:30 PM

Starting Feb. 1, 2022, people affected by the flooding in fall 2021 receiving Emergency Support Services will see this support evolve to personalized wraparound services delivered by the Canadian Red Cross.

“The recent floods in British Columbia have been devastating for individuals and communities throughout the province, and we know that there is a long road ahead to full recovery. That’s why our government is committing to provide timely, robust and effective supports for the people of British Columbia,” said Bill Blair, president of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness. “We are pleased to partner with the Canadian Red Cross to help those whose lives have been impacted by the effects of floods, and we will continue to work with the Committee of British Columbia and Federal Ministers on Disaster Response and Climate Resilience to support recovery efforts.”

Through the Red Cross, the provincial and federal governments will provide personalized recovery support, including interim housing and basic needs assistance. These personalized supports will be funded by donations to the 2021 Canadian Red Cross British Columbia Floods and Extreme Weather Appeal.

“Many people who were affected by the recent flooding haven’t been able to return home,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “We are here for you, and we’re making sure people receive the support they need and for the length of time needed, including lodging, basic needs and mental-health supports.”

This is expanding on the initial support that evacuees have received through Emergency Support Services since Nov. 15, 2021. Personalized recovery support will include assessments to identify needs and will complement local government and provincial efforts to assist people as they navigate the recovery process.

The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia committed to matching donations to the Floods and Extreme Weather Appeal, and thanks to the generosity of Canadians, the Red Cross has raised more than $30 million in donations for more than $90 million. As of Jan. 17, 2022, the Red Cross has distributed more than $17 million in evacuation-related emergency financial assistance to more than 7,200 eligible households.

“We know that needs will continue for the long term, and the case-management approach by the Canadian Red Cross ensures consistent and personalized support for impacted individuals through their journey to recovery,” said Pat Quealey, vice-president, British Columbia and Yukon, Canadian Red Cross. “The Red Cross is grateful for the generosity of Canadians who made this support possible.”

A Red Cross case manager will help households access assistance from existing government programs where eligible, such as Disaster Financial Assistance, and develop a plan for recovery that can access additional funds to repair or rebuild their primary residences or relocate to a new community.

The Red Cross is reaching out to people who are currently receiving Emergency Support Services, or those that have indicated they would like to discuss recovery supports.

Learn More:

For more information on Canadian Red Cross services and how to access them, call 1 800 863-6582, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Pacific time), or visit: https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/2021-british-columbia-floods-and-extreme-weather

British Columbians can access the Disaster Financial Assistance application online: http://www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance

Red Cross taking over Emergency Support Services

Victoria Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 12:15 PM

Effective today, the Canadian Red Cross is providing continued Emergency Support Services (ESS) to evacuees impacted by the recent floods and extreme weather in British Columbia.

The Province is grateful that the Red Cross, with its capacity and experience, has stepped up to deliver ESS on behalf of the Province.

To ensure a smooth transition, staff from the Red Cross have been contacting people currently receiving support to confirm ongoing needs.

People who have not yet been contacted should call the Red Cross (toll-free) at 1 800 863-6582 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (Pacific time) or visit the closest Red Cross Reception Centre. Locations are listed online: redcross.ca/2021bcfloods

The Province has also teamed with the Canadian Red Cross to provide $2,000 to help people, whose primary residences have been placed on evacuation orders due to flooding, to meet their immediate needs associated with being evacuated. This financial assistance is in addition to, and will not affect eligibility for, ESS.

This on the BC Govt website go to the link here

Provincial state of emergency extended

Victoria Monday, December 13, 2021, 11:45 AM

With recovery efforts still underway in communities affected by severe flooding and highways damaged by flooding and mudslides, the Province is extending the provincial state of emergency.Given the continued need for public safety measures under the Emergency Program Act and ongoing work to repair damaged highways, the provincial state of emergency is being extended until the end of the day on Dec. 28, 2021.“While we’re making significant progress in our recovery, there is still a lot of work to do to reopen our highways and get people back into their homes,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “My continued thanks go out to all British Columbians for their patience and compliance during these challenging times.”The order restricting non-essential travel on highways 3 and 99 will remain in place. This includes:

Highway 3: from the junction of Highway 5 and Highway 3 in Hope to the west entrance to Princeton from Highway 3; and
from the junction of Highway 99 and Lillooet River Road to the BC Hydro Seton Lake Campsite access in Lillooet (vehicle weight must be no more than 14,500 kilograms).

“Until we can get these highways open, this order will have to stay in place,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “I am grateful to the people putting in tireless, around-the-clock work to fix our roadways so that people can safely get the goods and services they need.”

The Province is allowing the order limiting non-essential fuel use to expire. This temporary measure limited non-essential vehicles to 30 litres of fuel (gas and diesel) per trip to the gas station and has been in place since Nov. 19, 2021. With the gradual re-opening of the Trans Mountain Pipeline coupled with shipments of fuel by truck and barge arriving in British Columbia, this order can expire at the end of the day on Dec. 14, 2021.

The state of emergency gives the Province the ability to use extraordinary powers to protect people and communities.

Learn More:

For information on evacuation orders and alerts, visit Emergency Info BC: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

For updated road conditions: www.drivebc.ca

For up-to-date public weather alerts, visit Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website: https://weather.gc.ca/warnings/index_e.html?prov=bc

To register with Canadian Red Cross, visit: https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/2021-british-columbia-floods-and-extreme-weather

British Columbians can access the DFA application online: http://www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance

Translations Provincial_Declaration_Extended_French.pdf

This on BC Govt website go to the link here

Federal Govt Update here

Federal information need info on floods

Federal Get Prepared

BC emergency contact information here

Emergency Management B.C. office contacts

Do you or someone you know need assistance with damage from the flooding in the Lower Mainland? Crisis cleanup is a free service of volunteers working together to help with local relief efforts. Call the home cleanup hotline for help.

B.C.’s response to floods and mudslides

December 14th update

Flooding and Your Health

BC SPCA responds to pet guardians impacted by B.C. flooding

CLBC Update BC Flooding go to the link here

November 24th,20021

Preparing for floods and evacuations

The CLBC Board and staff’s thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the recent flooding and landslides across B.C. and the devastation it has caused people and their communities. With further heavy rain, wind and winter storms forecasted in various areas of the province in the coming days, CLBC is reminding individuals and families about resources to help prepare for emergencies and evacuations.We want to help ensure the individuals we serve who may be impacted are prepared and understand who to connect with. If you or your loved one is receiving support via a CLBC-funded service provider, they are required to have an emergency plan to support individuals who receive staffed residential or home-sharing services in an emergency, such as an evacuation due to a flood.

If you live or work in an area at risk of flooding, it’s important that you take time to get ready for one and have a plan. Being aware and prepared is the key to staying safe during the flood season. There are activities that you can do to prepare personally at home:

Prepare by using resources with Emergency Info BC, where you can find links to:
- flood and severe weather preparedness information
- B.C. Ministry of Transportation road and travel advisories, and
- Environment Canada weather alerts for B.C.
Make a plan with your family and those who support you about how you will communicate if separated.
Pre-pack a grab and go bag (include necessities like medication)
If you are evacuated, Emergency Info BC also has links to:
- information for flood evacuees, including evacuation orders, alerts and rescinds; evacuee registration; and Emergency Support Services Reception locations; and
- information about Disaster Financial Assistance.

We hope you will remain unaffected this flood season. However, if you have to be evacuated from your home, please contact your local CLBC office if you have emergency support needs due to the flood impact.

Please consider taking the time now to add your local CLBC office phone number to your plan.

You can find a full list of CLBC offices and contact information here.

CLBC Emergency After Hours can contact those with disabilities if need it

PreparedBC: Resources for People with Disabilities in a disaster like we are experiencing BC flooding

Having a disability means you likely need to take preparedness actions above and beyond the “basics”. Some extra considerations are:

Your ability to communicate may be restricted
Your surroundings may change and look unfamiliar
Your service animal or guide dog may be hurt or frightened
Your health may be impacted by stress or confusion

Most importantly, take time to create a trusted support network of at least three people to assist during an emergency. Give them keys to your home and add their contact information to a shared emergency plan. You should also advise members of your support network of any health conditions or medications, and show them how to operate specialized medical or mobility equipment.