Kawartha Lakes Mayor McGee Declares State of Emergency !

Kawartha Lakes Mums - April 20, 2013 State of Emergency Declared!

Updates : 9pm more details, 9:30 pmMap link to Burnt River Community Centre Apr 21 11:30am added boat re-check of homes
City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Ric McGee declared a state of emergency for the City of Kawartha Lakes due to flooding in the Burnt River, Black River and Gull River watersheds.
By declaring a state of emergency, the municipality will be able to access further resources should they be required.

'We declared a state of emergency for the entire city,'shared Brenda Stonehouse, City of Kawartha Lakes Communications officer, adding,'However the current affected areas are the Burnt River, Black River and Gull River watersheds.'  

The Emergency Control Group met on Saturday evening to be briefed on the situation. The control group consists of the Mayor, CAO, Public Works, Fire, KL Paramedics, OPP, Kawartha Lakes Police, Health Unit, and the city's Social Services, Community Services and Communications departments.
 The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has continued a flood warning for the Gull River, Burnt River and Irondale River watersheds. The Burnt River is rising at an average rate of 1.7 cm/hr and is not expected to crest within the next 24 – 36 hours. At the current rate of rise there is potential for the Burnt River at the Village of Burnt River to reach and exceed 1991 flood levels. The Trent-Severn Waterway is making efforts to reduce flows along the Burnt and Irondale Rivers. The weather forecast is calling for up to 40mm of rain over Tuesday and Wednesday next week.Staff will continue to monitor the situation around the clock and the Emergency Control Group will be receiving a status update at 7:00am Sunday morning.

• Read 8pm Flooding Update for Closed Roads list

Evacuation Urged - Seek Higher Ground

 City officials are strongly recommending residents in affected areas should be looking to move to higher ground, perhaps with family and friends. The Burnt River Community Centre has been opened as an evacuation centre, and the Red Cross is on site. Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue and Public Works staff have gone door-to-door in the flood affected areas to strongly encourage residents to evacuate, and are doing a systematic  re-check of homes by boat ..
 If you are leaving your home, shut off the electricity at the control panel and turn off any propane. Have a supply of all necessary prescriptions and medical supplies, and bring important papers with you such as ID and personal documents. If you have pets, please remember their needs as well. Be sure to let a family member know where you are headed.

• Read 8pm Flooding Update for Flood Warning Preparedness Tips

Need Evacuation Assistance?

 Anyone needing assistance with evacuation should contact the municipality's After Hours Emergency line at 1-877-885-7337. If you feel in immediate danger at any time please call 911.

Seasonal Residents Please Return Home

Seasonal residents are advised to stay away. Those who may be in the area are encouraged to return to their primary residence.

Road Closures Due to Flooding

 A number of roads have already been closed due to flooding and more are expected. Volunteer firefighters and public works staff are continuing to sandbag and have been checking on vulnerable residents. Sandbags are available at the Burnt River Depot and the Coboconk Depot.

• See Flooding 8pm update for Map links and closed Roads

Boil Water Advisory Issued 

 The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) advises that residents on well water affected by flooding should boil water for one minutes at a rolling boil or obtain alternate potable water.