EMERGENCY PLANNING ARE YOU PREPARED? FLOOD ZONE. moncton.ca

Transcription

1 EMERGENCY PLANNING ARE YOU PREPARED? FLOOD ZONE moncton.ca

2 EMERGENCY SITUATIONS Emergency situations are a reality! They can result from human actions, such as an industrial accident, or caused by Mother Nature. Are you prepared? The City of Moncton will do its best to ensure the safety of residents in the event of a major emergency. Our first responders (fire, police, ambulance and Public Works crews) are well trained and ready to jump into action when called upon. But emergency preparedness is everyone s responsibility. MAKING OUR CITY MORE RESILIENT While we can t predict when a serious accident might occur, weather-related events can generally be anticipated and planned for. Rather than wait until such a situation arises, make it a priority to plan for your family s well-being. Get informed today! In recent years, the City has taken many steps to plan for a crisis situation, including adopting the Climate Change Adaptation and Flood Management Strategy. By using historical data and forecast modelling, it was established that Moncton s biggest risk, in terms of a major emergency, is the increased occurrence of hurricanes due to climate change, and related flooding (both in low-lying zones near the Petitcodiac River, and when the storm sewer system is surcharged). This means that all residents and businesses could be affected by flooding.

3 rton iac Shed rans Vete Mo Berry M Moun tain ills r ele he W e eorg G. t S n in tio Ma p m ver so i s A cr a di o c tit Pe ury isb Sal 1-IN-100 YEAR FLOODING EVENT FLOOD ZONE Petitcodiac River at 10.5 m elevation SAXBY GALE FLOODING It is now standard practice to plan for the future considering climate change impacts. This map represents a 1-in-100 year flooding event in the year We can see which areas would be affected most by the flooding of the Petitcodiac River, if such a weather event was to occur. This could also mean that our storm sewer system would have nowhere to empty its pipes full of rain water, and could back-up into basements. The possibility of the river flooding and associated sewer back-ups may occur with heavy rainfall and a high tide event. To decrease the chances of sewer backing up into your basement, ensure your house is equipped with a backwater valve. The City will even fund a portion of the installation cost (see: Backwater Valve Incentive Program). October 4, 1869 The infamous Saxby Gale caused much devastation in Moncton with a 2 m storm surge, during high tide. The event is commemorated in Bore Park, where the peak water level is marked.

4 What is the City doing to prepare? In order for the City of Moncton to ensure community resilience in the future, it is fundamental that all new developments adapt to climate change. Our Zoning By-law ensures that all new habitable space in new constructions be built at a minimum elevation of 10.5 m to help protect properties from flooding events that may occur in the next 100 years. However, existing properties located below the 10.5 m elevation will be allowed to renovate or expand existing buildings, if certain conditions are met. When property owners apply for their building permits, the Building Inspection department will inform them of flood risk and will assist them in finding solutions to help protect their investment. Find out how you can better protect your home by checking out the Flood Protection Booklet. To request a copy: info@moncton.ca download: moncton.ca BACKWATER VALVE INCENTIVE PROGRAM To help homeowners reduce their risk of basement flooding from sewer backup, the City of Moncton provides a $500 rebate towards the installation of an approved backwater valve. To qualify for the rebate, all work must be performed by a licensed plumber under the terms and conditions of a plumbing permit and inspected by the Building Inspection Department. info: info.inspection@moncton.ca

5 What can you do to prepare? A major emergency situation can be frightening, and can last several days. In such circumstances, our first responders and essential staff will be working around the clock to protect property and, most importantly, citizens. Your family could be asked to evacuate at a moment s notice. Your household must also be ready to ride out the storm. A 72-hour Emergency Kit, as recommended by the Canadian Red Cross, should include basics such as non-perishable food items (and a manual can opener), 2L of bottled water per person per day, cash, an extra set of keys, a crank radio, a flashlight and extra batteries, duct tape and garbage bags, card/ board games, and speciality items like prescriptions or baby formula. Moncton s Emergency Response Team will work with local organizations, such as the Canadian Red Cross, as well as provincial authorities, such as the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development or the NB Emergency Measures Organization (NB EMO) to provide temporary shelter and other basic necessities should you be displaced. Public Safety Canada getprepared.gc.ca Sécurité publique Canada redcross.ca GET A KIT make a plan

6 Working together! A disaster can bring out the best in a community. Monctonians are known for their caring and helpful nature don t be shy about helping your neighbours! Invite a senior living alone to share some meals or run some errands for those requiring assistance. By working together, Moncton will continue to be a strong and generous community. stay informed How do you get your news? BE CAREFUL OF RUMOURS AND FALSE INFORMATION! By reading the morning newspaper, checking social media sites or listening to the radio? The City of Moncton can use several ways to inform residents on the status of a situation, depending on the nature of the crisis. Some examples include: Facebook and Twitter postings, updates through local media or providing a dedicated information phone line. During times of crisis, the City of Moncton and the Province of NB s Emergency Measures Organization are the most trusted sources of information. New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization web: gnb.ca/emo toll free: City of Moncton 655 Main Street Moncton, NB E1C info@moncton.ca web: moncton.ca City of Moncton 2014