Alberta’s largest city was swamped Friday by floodwaters that displaced tens of thousands of people and forced the evacuation of the downtown core.
Since Wednesday about 250 mm of rain had fallen in the flood zone, the Bow River basin, and another 50 mm was expectedFriday and 20 mm more on Saturday.
An estimated 75,000 residents in 25 neighbourhoods along the rivers had been ordered out of their homes and, early Fridayafternoon, that order was extended to the entire downtown. With evacuations from surrounding communities added in, the total number reached 100,000.
City officials confirmed water had swamped the interior of the Saddle dome, home to the NHL’s Calgary Flames.
DKI Canada would like to share safety tips on how to keep safe during and after flooding.
During a Flood
- Do not walk through moving water. As little as 6 inches (15 centimeters) of moving water can make you fall.
- If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
- Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
After a Flood
- Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Avoid moving water.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Call 1 855 DKI 2DAY for immediate assistance to prevent further damage to your property and return it to pre storm condition.
About DKI:
DKI is the largest disaster restoration contracting organization in North America. The restoration services that DKI provides to insurance, commercial and residential clients include: emergency response, water damage mitigation, fire and contents cleaning, mold remediation, complete reconstruction and much more, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. DKI returns damaged property to its pre-loss condition quickly and efficiently, delivering complete satisfaction to our consumer, insurance, and corporate customers.
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