Landslide risk leads to evacuation in Quesnel

May 8, 2020 | 5:18 PM

QUESNEL, B.C. — The risk of a landslide in the north Cariboo has prompted the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) to issue an evacuation order and alert.

The order affects one property in the Maple Drive area south of Quesnel and the alert affects seven property owners in the same neighbourhood.

The CRD has the following message for the property owner under evacuation order:

You must leave the area immediately.
Close all windows and doors.
Do not shut off your natural gas.
Close gates (latch) but do not lock.
Gather your family: take a neighbour or someone who needs help.
Take critical items (medicine, purse, wallet, and keys) only if they are immediately available. Take pets in pet kennels or on leash.
Do not use more vehicles than you have to.
Do not use the telephone unless you need emergency service.
If you are on an evacuation ALERT or ORDER, or if you have been displaced from you home due to an emergency, Please self-register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ . Self-Registration will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process.

The CRD has the following message for the property owners under evacuation alert:

Have a plan to transport all family members or co-workers (while practicing physical distancing if possible) outside of the area, should the area be brought under evacuation order.
Keep essential items readily available for a quick departure; including medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photographs, etc).
Ensure that any dependents or pets are prepared for departure.
Move pets and livestock to a safe area.
Ensure that you have accommodation options for your family, if possible. A Reception Centre will be made available if required.
In the event of an evacuation, do not shut off your natural gas.
Monitor reliable news sources for information on evacuation orders and locations of Reception Centres and the CRD’s channels on Facebook and cariboord.ca .
If you are on an evacuation ALERT or ORDER, or if you have been displaced from you home due to an emergency, Please self-register with Emergency Support Services (ESS) at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/ . Self-Registration will reduce wait times for evacuees and assist in the referral process.

by Greg Fry / CKPG Today