News Release
Recovery Program Begins For City Flood Victims
May 5, 2008
Recovery Program Begins For City Flood Victims
Fredericton (May 4, 2008) - For most City residents, the flood is all but over. But for those whose homes or businesses were swamped by the Flood of 2008 the road to recovery, which could take weeks or even months for some, begins officially on Monday.
Under a recovery program announced by the Province of New Brunswick today, the first small but critical step any home or business owner who has suffered flood damage should take is to call 1-888-298-8555 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday or from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday to register for the program. You can also register online at www.snb.ca/emo anytime.
The Province's recovery program will allow residents to receive information and register their flood-related damage with a single telephone call, and will put health and safety inspection teams into flood-affected areas beginning this week to allow residents to return to their homes more quickly.
Registering is the first step in the recovery process, which includes three elements:
Complementary assistance, including water and electrical testing to ensure safety.
Health and safety inspections, to assess damage and determine what repairs are required for residents to safely return to their homes.
Disaster financial assistance, which will be available to cover the costs of repairs.
"While our thoughts are now turning toward recovery there are still many Fredericton residents still affected by the flood," said Fire Chief Philip Toole, Chair of the City's Emergency Operations Centre. "The river is still high and we urge all residents to be cautious."
City Flood Debris Pickup Service
In support of the Provincially funded Recovery Program, the City of Fredericton will coordinate a special flood debris pickup program for City residents starting on Tuesday, May 6. For information and to request this service, call the City's Flood Information Line at 460-2996. This special service is separate from the annual Spring Cleanup campaign for all City residents which also begins on Monday.
River Level Receding
The river level in Fredericton Sunday was 7.1 metres, down from a high of 8.36 metres. It is expected to be around 7.0 metres on Monday. The flood level is 6.5 metres. Residents are reminded that the water is not safe and is contaminated.
Summary of Roads and streets
All of the major roads in Fredericton are now open. All entry and exit ramps on the Westmorland Street Bridge are now open. Only the TRA parking lot on lower Queen Street remains closed.
"We still have a number of local streets that have water on them and our crews will continue to clean up the streets as the water recedes," said Murray Jamer, Director of the City's Engineering and Public Works Division. "Motorists are advised to use caution at the corner of Queen and Carleton streets until power can be restored to traffic signals at the intersection."
Spring Cleanup
The City's annual Spring Cleanup Campaign begins Monday morning. This special residential curb-side pickup is designed to help residents dispose of yard waste like broken tree limbs or branches and garden refuse under strict guidelines. It is not designed to handle major items such as furniture, stoves, refrigerators, bed springs, mattresses or residue from major tree removal or clearing operations. The collection will take place on your regular garbage day. If in doubt about what will be collected, contact the City of Fredericton Engineering & Public Works office at 460-2038 or 460-2088 before placing the material at curb-side or visit www.fredericton.ca.
City Hall Reopens Monday
City Hall and Municipal Administrative Offices at 335 Queen Street will reopen Monday. However, Monday evening's scheduled meeting of Council-in-Committee and Tuesday's noon hour Public Safety & Environment Committee meetings have been postponed. Wednesday's noon hour meeting of the City's Community Services Committee is still scheduled. The Government of New Brunswick is also reopening most buildings it owns and leases in downtown Fredericton. Some buildings will remain temporarily closed.
Water & Sewer
The City's drinking water system was not impacted by the flood. Residents who live along streets that are still covered with water may notice their sewage system is a little sluggish but it will improve as the water recedes.
Red Cross Evacuation Centres
Approximately 680 evacuees from the greater Fredericton area continue to be registered with the Canadian Red Cross. They will have to wait for flood waters to recede before returning to their homes. The Canadian Red Cross is accepting donations to help flood victims recover. For information on how you can donate, contact the Red Cross at 1-888-893-1300.
NB Power
As of early Saturday evening, NB Power is reporting 169 customers in the greater Fredericton area are still without power. For information, contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272.
Important Numbers
NB Disaster Fund Assistance 1-888-298-8555 or www.snb.ca/emo
Fredericton Non-Emergency Flood Info Line 506-460-2996
Canadian Red Cross 1-888-893-1300
NB Power 1-800-663-6272
NB River Watch 2008 www.gnb.ca/riverwatch
River Watch (Fredericton Info) www.fredericton.ca
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