Crews work to build up Westfield road, which will leave many residents stranded if it floods.
Saint John EMO is asking those in areas under voluntary evacuation to take the warning seriously and leave their homes.
Residents who choose to stay home should be aware of the risks.
They may not be able to access essentials like food, medicine and water for several days, and emergency response will be delayed.
And near Grenville Lane: a LAV sits across the water to assist residents. The road is closed from here until Gault Rd., and a voluntary evacuation for the area is in place. pic.twitter.com/beOaaIDH4Y
— Danielle McCreadie (@danimccreadie) April 24, 2019
Saint John EMO Director Kevin Clifford says time is running out for people to evacuate safely, as many roads are at risk.
“We’re urging citizens to consider evacuating. The water levels are projected to be even higher than last year,” he said.
Water levels today reached 5.2 metres, and will continue to rise to 5.8 Friday, breaking historic records set by last year’s flooding.
City crews were on scene at Westfield road and Mellinger crescent today to build up part of the road, that if flooded, would isolate approximately 1,315 people.
“We’re working hard so that the 1300 residents in this area won’t be isolated but those folks that are going to be isolated could be isolated for quite a while. That means isolated from food, isolated from their prescriptions, isolated perhaps from drinking water,” said Clifford.
Those who do decide to evacuate should do so during the day, and register with the Red Cross.
A Reception Centre has been opened by the Saint John-EMO and Canadian Red Cross to assist residents displaced by flooding, at 82 Market Place West.
It will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, until further notice. Outside of these hours, affected residents can contact the Canadian Red Cross at: 1-800-863-6582.
So far, 36 people from 19 households have registered with the Red Cross, out of around 600 residents under evacuation.
This is also the first time in Clifford’s memory the Saint John Fire Department is working in tandem with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Members of the Canadian military are now stationed in Saint John, as well as a light armoured vehicle, to help perform wellness checks for those choosing to stay in their homes.
Currently 11 roads in Greater Saint John are closed as of Wednesday morning.
- Westfield Road (near Gault Road intersection; detour on Gault)
- Westfield Road (at civic 1338 near Grenville Lane)
- Lawrence Long Road (near the end)
- Dominion Park Road (closed at Tippett and Green Head)
- Park Road (at Tippett Drive)
- Tippett Road (at civic #663 near Dominion Park)
- By Road #7 (at civic #51 near the end)
- Beach Road
- Bravo Landing (Millidgeville Ferry Entry)
- Farry Cove Lane (near the end)
- Ragged Point Road (near the beach at the end)
Additional roads will be closed as flood waters rise. For updates, visit the City online.
Residents are also asked to avoid driving on any water-covered roads, and to stay off railway tracks.
EMO is also warning people to stay out of the water and be careful with things that have come into contact with it.
“The water now with no doubt is contaminated,” said Clifford. “There’s raw sewage coming from different points. So we’re asking people to stay out of the water.”
As well, people with private wells that are currently under floodwaters should not use their well water, especially if there is discolouration or odour.
Other safety measures to consider are disconnecting your power through Saint John Energy, and being aware of carbon monoxide and fire risks.
Residents can report damages to City infrastructure by calling 658-4455. In case of emergency, call 911.
For recorded River Watch water levels, people may call 1-888-561-4048 and find the flood level five-day forecasts online.
