Monday, December 4, 2023 – The Sooke region is expected to be affected by an atmospheric river event this week. An atmospheric river event brings with it an increased amount of precipitation, which can lead to flooding and high river flows with strong currents.
Residents are reminded to stay clear of rivers and potentially unstable banks near a water’s edge.
A sandbag station is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Ed Macgregor Park Parking Lot, located at 6752 West Coast Road. The station is self-serve, with sand and bags provided by the District and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness BC. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels to fill the bags and are encouraged to take only enough to meet their needs so that supplies are available for others.
Residents are also encouraged to make a household emergency plan, and prepare emergency kits and grab and go bags.
To help prevent local flooding, the District is asking for community assistance in clearing catch basins that may be blocked with fallen leaves and debris.
“Sweeping the leaves with your foot to allow water to enter the stormwater management system is a small preventative action we can take as a community,” says Emergency Program Manager Jason Humphries. “A critical aspect of emergency planning and preparedness is how a community comes together to support each other before, during and after events. With nearly 700 basins in Sooke, this simple act really helps everyone out,” Humphries adds.
For more information on getting ready before a flood, please visit Prepared BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/floods/before-flood
The District will continue to monitor the conditions and provide updates – as available – through the District website and Twitter feed.
More:
Local emergency information sources:
- District of Sooke Twitter Channel: www.twitter.com/SookeCa
- The Sooke Fire Rescue Dept. Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SookeFireRescue/
- The Sooke ESS Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/SookeEmergencySupportServices/
- District of Sooke website: sooke.ca
- Emergency Info BC: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
Related:
- November 7, 2023 – Information Bulletin: Seasonal Sooke Parks Advisories
- October 18, 2023 – News Release: Sandbag Station Opens at Ed Macgregor Parking Lot