Good emergency response to flooding

Times Contributor 

 

Extreme rainfall, occurring over the last week, created historic flood conditions throughout central and southern Alberta and it has tested and proved emergency response plans, set up to meet natural disaster situations within the province. Twenty four communities were evacuated by coordinated efforts from municipal, provincial, federal and military teams.

“The events unfolding here today are from planned responses to these types of situations,” said Health Minister Fred Horne, and he attributed an emergency plan’s success to the selfless efforts of all the emergency responders involved.

Minister Doug Griffiths said that an effective disaster response plan requires cooperation between all departments within municipalities and the different levels of government. He said positive results are achieved when the public respond cooperatively with direction given by crews, during the evacuation process. 

Griffiths said he was encouraged by the overwhelming offers for assistance by neighbouring municipalities, not yet affected by the event, and other levels of government cooperating to ensure the safety of Albertans. Fire and Emergency medical workers worked through flooded areas making sure people were evacuated and taken to safe facilities. The military had responded by sending 1300 members, with100 engineers and 400 members deployed to communities at the ground level. Reservists were called in on Saturday. 

One hundred police officers came from Edmonton to help with policing. Emergency generators and equipment were integrated into response efforts as needed. Utility crews worked tirelessly to ensure citizen safety, shutting down power and gas in evacuated areas.

Many roads and highways were closed due to flooding and damage. Initially, the public was asked to help by staying out of affected areas, and not putting themselves in danger. The community, family and friends responded by opening homes for temporary shelter. Shelters were opened for those who had no other accommodation options. The humane society and animal shelters were taking pets, with a good volunteer response by other agencies, which had space for additional animals. The Red Cross set up a 24-hour emergency registration and inquiry call centre for evacuees and family members: 1-866-696-6484

Griffiths said lessons were learned from the 2011 Slave Lake fire disaster and expected many practises learned there will be useful in reclamation and restoration efforts of communities here, once the emergency alert levels decline. Griffiths anticipated that volunteers from the community will be needed at that time, to restore homes and businesses back to normal.

Both Premier Redford and Prime Minister Steven Harper viewed damaged areas and indicated resources would be available to enable Albertans to recover from the damages. Once waters recede, assessments will be conducted and information about disaster relief funds will be available.

“We are resilient and we come together. We are tough,” said Premier Alison Redford.

“Stay optimistic, stay patient and we will get through all this,” said Prime Minister Harper.