A glimpse at Constance Bay on April 30, 2019.
Tony Caldwell / jpg
The City of Ottawa is coordinating an evacuation plan for residents in areas where floodwaters are an “imminent threat to safety, life and property.” City staff will visit affected residents who will advise them to either leave their homes or get ready for the possibility that they’ll have to evacuate, according to a Tuesday press release although it did not specify how many residents were affected.A total of 21 residents had “self-evacuated” in Ottawa as of Tuesday morning.In Gatineau, 1,593 people had registered with the city, which has assisted in 97 evacuations as of end-of-day Monday.What you need to know if you’re evacuating via the City of Ottawa:Watch for newsCheck the news and follow social media for current advice and instructions from local emergency officials For information and updates, visit ottawa.ca What to doBefore you leave your homeLeave emergency contactsContact or leave a note for family members explaining you have left and where you have gone Call an out-of-town relative or friend so they can tell loved ones that you are safe Your vehicleTry not to drive through floodwaters If you are caught in fast-rising waters and your car stalls, leave the car Keep a full tank of gas if an evacuation seems likely Take one car per family to reduce congestion and delays Obey speed limits and officials’ directions around road closures Don’t try to cross a flood area on foot Community Support CentresAt the centres, which will stay open as long as they are needed, residents can talk to community and social services and Ottawa Public Health staff and Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army representatives are on-hand to triage their needs, answer questions and direct to services.West Carleton-March Community Support CentreConstance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre, 262 Len Purcell Lane, open 24 hours until further noticeServices: bottled water, Canadian Red Cross staff, St. John Ambulance staff from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., emergency social services for housing and personal support, public health nurse and public health inspector from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., showers, toilets, food prepared by the Salvation Army,outlets to charge devices, wifiBay Community Support CentrePinecrest Recreation Complex, Barbara Ann Scott Arena, 2250 Torquay Avenue from 10 a.m. to 7p.m.Services: Bottled water, Canadian Red Cross staff, emergency social services for housing and personal support, public health nurse and inspector, showers, toilets, food provided by the Salvation Army, outlets for charging devices, wifiCumberland Community Support CentreCumberland Heritage Village Museum, 2940 Old Montreal Road from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Showers at the R.J. Kennedy Arena, 1115 Dunning Road.Services: Bottled water, Canadian Red Cross staff, emergency social services for housing and personal support, public health nurse and inspector, toilets, food provided by the Salvation Army, outlets for charging devices, wifiGatineauWhat to do, via the City of Gatineau:Evacuees and those with damaged homes should report to the City of Gatineau at 311, ext. 6 Flood victims in need of emergency shelter or support should go to one of the victim assistance centers (list is below) between 8 a.m. and midnight and register online at http://www.redcross.ca or by phone at 1 800 863-6582 Take whatever steps are necessary to ensure your own safety and protect your home Consult the city of Gatineau website regularly Sign up for text message or email alerts Bring your emergency kit with you if you have to evacuate which should contain everything you need for at least 72 hours Arrange care for pets with family, friends or in shelters or the City of Gatineau will assess needs on a case-by-case basis Victim Assistance CentresThe Jean-René Monette Community Centre, 89 Jean-René-Monette Street from 8 a.m. to midnight; The Masson-Angers Service Centre, 57 Montréal Street East from 8:30 a.m. to midnight. Psychological supportPsychosocial workers are on site to offer psychological support to the flood victims at the Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux (CISSS) de l’Outaouais; The CISSS de l’Outaouais organizes meetings to support flood victims scheduled for April 30 and May 7 at 7 p.m., at 777 boulevard de la Gappe. Call 811, ext. 2 at any time for psychosocial support. Info-Social 811 is a free and confidential phone consultation service provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.