Spring Flooding: Update of May 5, 2017, at 3 p.m.

Gatineau, May 5, 2017. – Water levels are relatively stable. However, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada, more than 50 mm of rain is expected in Gatineau by Sunday. In anticipation of a possible increase in water levels, Gatineau is watching the situation closely. It is continuing to adjust its efforts on the ground as the situation unfolds.

Voluntary and preventive evacuations

●	The City invites residents to prepare to evacuate their homes, if they have not already done so.

●	Flood victims who require assistance to leave their homes should dial 311.

●	Among other things, firefighters are continuing to assist victims during evacuations.

●	As a reminder, Ministère de la Sécurité publique has confirmed an agreement with the Red Cross concerning the care of flood victims.

Donations and volunteering

●	Businesses wishing to provide clothing, food or other goods should contact the Red Cross at 1 800 363 7305, extension 3622980.

●	Residents wishing to make such donations should contact the usual organizations, such as Saint Vincent de Paul and food banks.

●	Residents wishing to offer their services as volunteers should dial 311.

Sewer backups

●	Wastewater systems are full of flood waters.

●	Gatineau has therefore decided to install plastic covers on many sewer manholes in the flooded areas.

●	This will prevent sewer overflow and limit the risk of backups to nearby homes.

●	Residents may also take actions to reduce the risks of sewer backup.

●	For example, Gatineau is asking those residents who are using pumps to send the water outside instead of in sewers.

●	It is also recommended to: - delay large water consumptions, such as laundry and dishwasher use; - avoid letting water run unnecessarily; - take a quick shower instead of a bath; - flush toilets sparingly.

Statistics

Preventive and voluntary evacuations

●	Number of homes visited by firefighters (since May 1): 654 - Firefighters are visiting homes more than once in the majority of cases (up to 5 visits), which brings the total of visits to more than 3,000.

●	Number of homes evacuated by Service de sécurité incendie: 153

●	Persons evacuated on a voluntary basis by Service de sécurité incendie: 254

●	Persons being looked after by the Red Cross: more than 260

●	Homes where gas has been shut off: 129

●	Homes where power has been shut off: 15

Sandbags

●	Number of bags distributed since May 1: more than 84,500

●	Number of sandbags distributed since April 18: close to 160,000

●	Number of bags ready to be filled: 17,000

Information to residents

●	People registered for text alerts: 1,206

●	Visits to the flooding webpage: 31,410 visits (since May 1)

Volunteers

●	Volunteers registered with 311: more than 250

●	On the day of May 4 (Thursday), 2,400 sandbags were filled by volunteers.

Non-emergency call centre (311)

●	4,352 calls from May 1 to May 4 (11:59 p.m.)

●	807 calls on May 5 since midnight

●	12 employees on duty for every 24-hour period

Note

Statistics for this news release were last updated at 2 p.m. on May 5, 2017. These are the latest statistics available.

Associated link

Webpage on spring flooding

Images

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