With the Fraser River on Flood Watch at Quesnel since Tuesday, the City of Quesnel today (May 17) released a statement urging locals to be prepared in case of flood.

The release says the City is prepared to respond to flooding, but flood protection of individual homes is the homeowners’ responsibility.

“Residents with property in low-lying areas near waterways could see flooding,” states the press release.

In a previous conversation with director of emergency services Sylvain Gauthier, the Observer learned some neighbourhoods of concern for flooding include homes on North Fraser Drive and Rolph Street.

Close by the city but in the Cariboo Regional District, another area of concern is Williams Subdivision, north of downtown Quesnel, including Hazel Road and River Park Road. This is being monitored by the city and the CRD together.

On Tuesday, Quesnel fire inspector/safety officer Ron Richert said the water level in the Fraser was expected by the River Forecast Centre to begin to rise today, May 17.

“We know temperatures are going to rise, so we are expecting the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers to rise. With the level we are at, we are just letting people know to be prepared just in case. It’s higher than what is normal for this time of year,” says Gauthier.

“We want people to be proactive and cautious.”

Gauthier says Baker Creek is no longer a flooding concern.

“It may be backing up a little bit, but it shouldn’t rise,” he says.

Today’s press release offers the following suggestions to prepare:

• Create a household emergency plan, put together your grab-and-go bag, and connect with your neighbours
• Move equipment and other assets to higher ground
• Clear perimeter drains, eavestroughs and gutters. Maintain your sump pumps
• Move electrical appliances to upper floors and make sure to anchor fuel supplies
• Park vehicles away from streams and waterways

The city is advising residents to keep children and pets away from river banks, and to follow detour routes. City staff will be continuing to monitor river levels regularly.

Residents are strongly encouraged to register for the Emergency Notification System to receive a text, call or email regarding Evacuation Alerts and Orders or other emergency updates: https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085612292#/signup

READ MORE: Fraser River at Quesnel upgraded to Flood Watch

Quesnel Cariboo Observer