By Nicole Liebermann
While the floodwaters have receded in the Elk Valley, many residents have more work ahead of them as they recover from flood damage.
The Red Cross opened a Resiliency Centre in the Hosmer Community Centre on Sunday. Operating from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. over seven days, the centre will assist the community while it recovers from the recent flooding events.
The Red Cross will be assisting the Regional District of East Kootenay in performing a needs analysis for people impacted by flooding. They will be manning the facility for one-on-one needs assessments with affected residents. There will also be a field team conducting outreach to citizens outside of the Hosmer area across the Elk Valley.
Anyone unable to get to the Resiliency Centre can call 250-423-3138 during operational hours and a needs analysis team will arrange for a home visit. The Red Cross will be putting people in touch with any services they require, as well as offering supplies to help them through the recovery process.
The centre has been approved for seven days and will be evaluated after the first five to determine if an extension is required.
A reminder to full time residents that the Province has approved the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (including all rural areas and municipalities) application to Emergency Management BC (EMBC) for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) for “Overland Flooding” on June 19 to 21.
This means full-time residents can fill out claim forms and submit them for a portion of the cleanup costs related to the flooding that are not covered by insurance. It is important to note the deadline date for EMBC to receive DFA application forms is September 22.
Contact your insurance company to determine whether your policy might provide any coverage.
Another positive sign is the City of Fernie has rescinded the Water Quality Advisory (FAIR) rating on June 28. Current testing shows that the Fernie water quality is good and turbidity levels are below 1 NTU. Interior Health and the City of Fernie reminds customers of the provincial recommendation that newborns and people with weakened immune systems drink boiled water or a safe alternative at all times if served by an unfiltered surface water source.
Residents are encouraged to check the website regularly for the current water quality rating.
If you or your business would like to receive an email or fax notification of turbidity advisories please contact City Hall at cityhall@fernie.ca or call 250-423-6817.