Alberta Government responds to flooding in southern Alberta

Updated June 25, 2013, posted at 6:30 pm

• 22 confirmed states of local emergency.
• 22 active local Emergency Operations Centres in southern Alberta, including municipalities, First Nations, and private industry (Fortis).
• The southern Alberta flooding has been confirmed as the worst flooding in Alberta’s history.
• Highway 1 east and westbound from Highway 40 and Highway 1A east and west of Exshaw is open to emergency and relief services vehicles as well as local residents (with proper identification) only.
• Highway 40 from Highwood Pass to Highway 1 is open to emergency vehicles only.
• Five Alberta Search and Rescue teams are working with emergency responders in the affected communities.
• Boil water alerts have been issued for a number of communities. Details on current boil water orders are available online.
• Ten Rapid Assessment Structural Safety Teams (RASST) are assembled and available to municipalities affected by flooding. These teams are made up of technical and access specialists to support municipalities as they facilitate the re-entry of residents.

What you need to know if you’ve been affected by flooding

• Do not return to your communities until your local authorities have given permission to do so.
• For family re-unification, call the Red Cross information line at 1-866-696-6484.

Disaster recovery program, housing and recovery support

• The Government of Alberta has approved $1 billion as part of the first phase of emergency recovery and reconstruction funding for southern Alberta families and communities.
• For residents who are displaced and can’t go home, government will provide pre-loaded debit cards to help with immediate housing needs and day-to-day purchases. Those who qualify will receive $1,250 per adult and $500 per child. Eligibility details will be available later this week.
• Disaster recovery programs will be put in place for communities and families who are starting to rebuild. They will ensure that Albertans have initial funding within 10 days to two weeks of applying to the program in their region.
• Registration centres for disaster recovery programs will be announced in the media and placed on the Alberta.ca webpage as soon as we confirm with municipalities.
• While you do not need a letter from your insurance company to make the initial application, you will eventually need one so you should contact your insurance company to begin the process.
• Start your cleanup, take pictures, keep track of the hours you work, keep receipts for rentals.&nbsp You do not need to wait for an evaluator to visit your home before you begin cleanup.
• Insurance Consumer Information Centre in Alberta, 1-800-377-6378 is available to answer any insurance questions consumers may have.
• An interim housing plan for displaced residents in High River is underway and more details will be released soon.
• Government has brought together all provincial resources to respond to this disaster through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency. Yesterday, Premier Alison Redford appointed three Associate Ministers of Regional Recovery and Reconstruction: Honourable Greg Weadick for South East Region; Honourable Kyle Fawcett for South West and Honourable Rick Fraser for High River. These three ministers will be on the ground every day in their regions of responsibility, making sure communities get what they need when they need it, and have the tools to rebuild. In addition, the Honourable Robin Campbell was appointed for First Nations communities.
  

Reception centres

• In communities where there have been large evacuations, municipalities have set up reception centres. Albertans who have evacuated are encouraged to register at a reception centre or call the Red Cross information line at 1-866-696-6484.
• High River evacuees can register or be located at 1-403-991-0526.
• About 10,000 people from Medicine Hat have been evacuated. An evacuation reception centre and volunteer coordination centre has been established at the Medicine Hat College. The City of Medicine Hat Flood Information Line phone number is 403-502-8900.&nbsp
• Approximately 1,000 members of the Siksika Nation have been evacuated. Evacuation centers are set up at Deerfoot Sportsplex and Gleichen arena.&nbsp
• Additional information for displaced residents is available at http://alberta.ca/reception-centre-info.cfm

Driver’s License, Identification Card and Birth Certificate Replacement

• If you have lost or are unable to access government identification, visit any registry agent or call 780-427-7013 to replace or renew.

Drivers License

• There is no charge for duplicates of license and identification cards and birth certificates. If your license expires soon, you can renew at the standard renewal fee.
• If the license or identification card cannot be delivered to your address, you can request that it be sent to a registry location for pick-up or provide an alternate address unaffected by flooding.
• Replacements will be sent rush within three to four business days.

Birth Certificates

• There is no charge for duplicates of birth certificates.

• If you do not have any identification, you can provide written consent to someone with identification to apply on your behalf (a “designated agent”). The registry agent can assist you with this process.
• If you have identification but need a replacement birth certificate, you can apply in person.
• If the certificate cannot be delivered to your address, you can request that it be sent to the registry agent location where you can pick it up in 2 to 3 business days, or you can provide an alternative mailing address in an area unaffected by flooding.

Businesses Affected by Flooding

• Penalties and interest will be waived where a corporation or business was unable to comply with legislated tax filing or payment requirements due to flooding.&nbsp This also includes the tourism levy.&nbsp Businesses must submit their Alberta tax return and make their tax payment as soon as they are able to do so. More information can be found here.
• The province has issued a deadline extension for all Alberta registered pension plans whose filings were due by June 29, 2013. The new filing deadline will be July 31, 2013. This applies to pension plans’ Annual Information Return, Annual Member Statements, Actuarial Valuation and Cost Certificate and Audited Financial Statements.

Anyone in areas where flooding and heavy rainfall is occurring should:

• Listen to local media reports and follow instructions from law enforcement and local officials.
• Sign up to receive emergency alerts from Alberta Emergency Alert at www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca.
• Avoid any rivers or streams in those communities.

Road closures

• Portions of 11 highways remain closed, three ferries are closed and three sections of highway are open to emergency vehicles only. For the most up-to-date information on highway conditions and closures go towww.511.alberta.ca, follow @511Alberta or call 511.
• Work is underway on the installation of temporary bridging across Cougar Creek, as well as the reconstruction of the approaches to the bridge carrying Highway 1 over both Highway 1A and the CP rail line. 
• Alberta Transportation staff are in the community inspecting the structural integrity of bridges.
• For the safety of all motorists, the RCMP and Alberta Transportation officials encourage individuals to avoid stopping on the shoulders of highways or walking along highways to view flooded areas. Follow signs and stay away from damaged bridges. 

Schools

• Albertans should check with their local school board for the most up-to-date information. Local school boards are responsible for identifying schools where exemptions will apply.
• All students in affected areas who were scheduled to write diploma exams between June 25 and June 27will receive an automatic exemption from the exams without needing to fill out an application form. This means that each student’s school-awarded mark for June will be considered final. However, if a student would like to write a particular diploma exam, school authorities will help facilitate that choice.
• Schools in affected areas have also cancelled Grade 9 provincial achievement tests scheduled betweenJune 25 and June 27.
• Post-secondary students should check with their institution for information on any closures.

Social services

• Alberta Works clients who receive benefits by cheque rather than electronic deposit, and who are impacted by flooding in southern Alberta, can call the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135 (then press 1) or send an email toiscc@gov.ab.ca to find out how to receive benefits.
• Residents receiving benefits from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program by cheque rather than electronic deposit, and who are impacted by flooding in southern Alberta, are advised to call the Calgary AISH office at 403-297-8511 during regular office hours.
• If families or contracted service providers need any human, financial, or in-kind assistance to safely evacuate, accommodate and provide individuals receiving PDD supports, please contact your local regional board for more information.

• More information, including office contact information and closures, is available at http://humanservices.alberta.ca/flood-update.html.

Flood and weather conditions
For current flood warnings and water level conditions: www.environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/advisories/index.html

For more detailed information on weather and stream conditions, see the forecaster’s comments: www.environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/ForecastersComments/index.html

Health Services
Up-to-date information on facilities is posted on the Alberta Health Services webpage. 

• Medicine Hat: Alberta Health Services (AHS) closed its field hospital in north Medicine Hat at 6 p.m. on June 24. The temporary urgent care clinic established at the evacuation centre located at Medicine Hat College will remain open 24-7 until further notice. Residents can also access the emergency department at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, Brooks and Bow Island Health Centre or contact Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465) if they have any concerns or are unsure where to go to access care.
• Calgary and Canmore: As communities are cleared for re-entry, Public Health inspectors have started inspections of food establishments and other businesses near the impacted areas in order to ensure they are safe to open. They include social/child/adult care facilities, pools and recreation centres. Contingency plans to reschedule family physician appointments are being developed in partnership with Primary Care Networks. Calgarians unable to access care through their regular family doctors or neighbourhood walk-in clinics due to flood-related issues are encouraged to call HealthLink Alberta for other options.
• High River: The hours of the Okotoks Urgent Care Centre have been extended to 24/7 to help support displaced High River residents. Additional medical services are being transferred to Okotoks for High River residents, including prescription renewal, cancer clinic and low-risk obstetrics clinics. The High River Hospital remains closed.
•  Drumheller: Drumheller Hospital remains evacuated; the Emergency Department is open.
• For all displaced residents in areas now returning home: Returning residents need to take precautions to keep their families safe. Resources on how to deal with food, mould, and other flood-related public health concerns are available at albertahealthservices.ca. For a full listing of other tips related to returning in the Calgary area, please visit :http://www.calgarycitynews.com/2013/06/evacuation-lifted-re-entry-information.html

Health Services
Up-to-date information on facilities is posted on the Alberta Health Services webpage. 

• Medicine Hat residents in some flooded neighbourhoods are being allowed to return to home and businesses following inspection by Field Assessment Teams (health inspectors and City building safety officials). As homes and businesses are being inspected, occupants are provided public health information on further clean-up that may be required.
• Medicine Hat field hospital is now closed. Crescent Heights medical clinic returns to regular operations.
• The temporary urgent care clinic established at the evacuation centre located at Medicine Hat College will remain open 24-7 until further notice. Residents can also access the emergency department at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, Brooks and Bow Island Health Centre or contact Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465) if they have any concerns or are unsure where to go to access care.

• Drumheller&nbsp Hospital: Long-term care residents returning to Drumheller starting today. Acute care patients will start returning to Drumheller on Thursday. Expecting to resume elective surgeries on Thursday.

• Calgary: Alberta Health Services (AHS) will re-open Urgent Care services at the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre on June 26 at 10 a.m. Services at the facility will re-open in phases, beginning with 24-hour Urgent Care on June 26. Clinics and other services will re-open over the following two days.
• As communities are cleared for re-entry, Public Health inspectors have started inspections of food establishments and other businesses near the impacted areas in order to ensure they are safe to open. They include social/child/adult care facilities, pools and recreation centres. Contingency plans to reschedule family physician appointments are being developed in partnership with Primary Care Networks. Calgarians unable to access care through their regular family doctors or neighbourhood walk-in clinics due to flood-related issues are encouraged to call HealthLink Alberta for other options.
• High River: The hours of the Okotoks Urgent Care Centre have been extended to 24/7 to help support displaced High River residents. Additional medical services are being transferred to Okotoks for High River residents, including prescription renewal, cancer clinic and low-risk obstetrics clinics. The High River Hospital remains closed.
• For all displaced residents in areas now returning home: Returning residents need to take precautions to keep their families safe. Resources on how to deal with food, mould, and other flood-related public health concerns are available at albertahealthservices.ca. For a full listing of other tips related to returning in the Calgary area, please visit :http://www.calgarycitynews.com/2013/06/evacuation-lifted-re-entry-information.html

Public health and seniors benefit information

• Residents are advised to exercise caution when pumping out flood waters from basements and other areas. Do not use gas-powered pumps indoors, as they can emit potentially deadly carbon monoxide. Do not use electric pumps. Water and electricity do not mix, and can lead to electrocution. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, remove everyone from the suspected source immediately, and phone 911.
• Homes built before mid-1980s may contain asbestos materials. Residents are advised to take precautions.
• Alberta Aids to Daily Living Clients should proceed to their medical supplier vendor as usual. Billing for residents affected by flooding will be addressed later.
• Alberta Seniors Benefit clients who receive the benefit by mail and need it to be redirected while they are displaced from their homes can call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 between 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday to make arrangements.
• The Special Needs Assistance Program for Seniors is available to assist low-income seniors with one-time extraordinary expenses, such as household appliances, minor home repairs, clothing, etc. Call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 or visit http://www.health.alberta.ca/seniors/special-needs-assistance.html for application information.

Law enforcement, Provincial Corrections and the Courts

• The Calgary Court of Appeal in the TransCanada Pipeline Building remains closed. Hearings are adjourned untilThursday, June 27, 2013 unless directed by the Court otherwise. Until further notice, Calgary Registry Services will be provided in Edmonton. Refer to the Emergency Directives posted on the Court's website for further information.
• There will be no Court of Queen’s Bench or Provincial Court trials on June 25 or 26. Court of Queen’s Bench will be open for emergency matters only.
• The inmates transferred from the Medicine Hat Remand Centre late last week are expected to be returned later this week.
• The Medicine Hat courthouse re-opened for business as usual on Tuesday, June 25. The underground parkade remains closed for the week.
• The High River probation office will remain closed until further notice. The Probation Officer will work out of Calgary and contact clients as needed. Clients can call 403-297-2350 (Calgary) if their contact information has changed as a result of the flood.
• The Siksika Court is closed until further notice. People who had matters scheduled there can call the Drumheller Court House at 403-820-7300 for more information.
• The Calgary Police Service (CPS) Arrest Processing Unit can no longer be used due to flood damage. The CPS has approached the Alberta government to request assistance with identifying alternate arrangements. The two temporary options under consideration are the Calgary Remand Centre and the holding cells in the basement of the Calgary Court Centre. As the remand centre may not be suitable for more than a few days due to its daily operations and capacity, the court centre is an interim option that reflects the extraordinary circumstances of the flood.
• Additional information is available on the Justice and Solicitor General website at http://justice.alberta.ca/programs_services/courts/Pages/EmergencyInformationCalgary.aspx .

Tourism and Parks

• Access to Mount Kidd Campground: People evacuated from Mount Kidd Campground will be permitted to return to retrieve their personal belongings between 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on June 25. Highway 40 remains closed to public traffic so vehicles will travel in a convoy. Drivers should anticipate delays due to the condition of the highway. If you need a ride to Kananaskis Country or can offer one, please call the flood emergency line:  403-678-5500, extension 222. The convoy service may continue throughout the week if required. For updates visit, AlbertaParks.ca, follow @AlbertaParksor join Alberta Parks on Facebook. 
• Up-to-date information about provincial parks impacted by flooding is available online and by following @Albertaparks.
• Visitors to Alberta should note that travel restrictions may be placed on some routes. Check 511.alberta.ca, follow @511Alberta or call 511 for information before you depart.
• Information is also available by calling the 1-800-ALBERTA (252-3782) visitor contact centre or in person at Visitor Information Centres  throughout the province. 

Donations and Volunteering

• Donations can be made to the Canadian Red Cross at 1-800-418-1111 or existing aid organizations. Only financial donations are required at this time. Please do not make non-monetary donations or bring donations to reception centers.
• To volunteer to assist with clean up efforts, call 1-866-628-6565. This is a toll-free line hosted by Samaritans Purse.

Other Information

• The most up-to-date information about affected communities is available at www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca.
• Farm flooding information
• Registries - Service Alberta has put in measures for Albertans who have driver’s licenses or motor vehicle registrations expiring in the next few days. Expiring driver’s licenses and registrations across the province will be deemed valid until evacuation orders are lifted.
• For information on selecting a contractor, organizations soliciting donations and if price-gouging is suspected, visitService Alberta’s webpage.

Links to emergency information, community contacts and disaster recovery is available at www.alberta.ca. Watch for Government of Alberta updates on Twitter at #abflood

The Alberta government is fully engaged in supporting the efforts of local communities and first responders. The Provincial Operations Centre (POC) is operating at Level 4, the highest level and is coordinating the efforts by the three levels of government. Key federal departments are active in the POC.