The Canadian Red Cross continues to work closely with the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization and municipal authorities to assist flood evacuees and offers the following update:
EVACUEES:
- Individuals and families who have already or who intend to evacuate homes are asked to register with the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582. Even if they have temporary accommodation such as with family or friends, it’s helpful to emergency authorities and the Red Cross to know how many people have evacuated and from where, how they can be contacted if authorities need to speak with them, and where they are staying.
- If calling the Red Cross toll-free number, evacuees should press 1 or 2 for service in English or French, and then press 5 for New Brunswick (the same number is also used to support flood responses in other provinces).
- The Red Cross recommends that evacuated residents bring with them supplies for seven days including, clothes, prescriptions, mobile devices, pet supplies, valuable documents, cash, credit cards and items to meet the needs of specific householders such as infants, the elderly, those with disabilities/mobility challenges, etc. Additional advice is available online at redcross.ca/prepare.
Residents who have evacuated and do not have a safe place to stay such as with family or friends have a few options:
- Within the City of Fredericton: Proceed to the municipal reception centre in the Salvation Army community church at 531 St. Mary’s Road, which is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It can also be contacted at 506- 455-3243.
Emergency needs can be assessed and staff will work with the Red Cross to meet lodging requirements. - Near Fredericton but outside city limits (Maugerville, Jemseg, Grand Lake, Sheffield, etc.): Between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., proceed to UNB’s Connell Hall dormitory at 19 Bailey Drive and speak with Red Cross volunteers.In overnight hours (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) go instead to UNB’s McLeod House dormitory at 810 Montgomery Street.
- Within the City of Saint John: Proceed to the Carleton Community Centre at 82 Market Place in west Saint John between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. for support including information updates, recharging mobile phones or medical devices, etc.Red Cross volunteers can assist with emergency lodging through arrangements with UNB Saint John.
- In all other areas of New Brunswick, call 1-800-863-6582 to be registered with the Red Cross and be put in touch with Red Cross emergency volunteers in their local area.
- If possible, do not evacuate at night when visibility and safety are reduced. Residents who must immediately evacuate at night or overnight should call 9-1-1 for assistance from Ambulance New Brunswick or other first responders.
PETS:
- The Canadian Red Cross wants to ensure that residents who should evacuate for safety reasons do not avoid doing so due to pet sheltering limitations. Residents can contact the Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582 for assistance with pet sheltering solutions in their area.
NON-EVACUEES:
- New Brunswickers with general concerns about flooding but who have not evacuated or do not anticipate evacuation should not call the Red Cross toll-free number. Other options are described online at gnb.ca/RiverWatch. These include:
- for recorded updates daily from the New Brunswick River Watch program: 1-888-561-4048
- if concerned about current or potential power outages, contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272.
- for recorded updates daily on road/highway closures, dial 5-1-1
- For flood damage to homes or businesses, contact insurers where applicable, and register with Service New Brunswick online at gnb.ca/snb or call 1-888-298-8555
- If facing a medical emergency or other immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
- For general advice on what to do before, during or after a residential flood or evacuation, visit redcross.ca/ready
VOLUNTEERING
The Canadian Red Cross response in New Brunswick is implemented largely by its network of already trained emergency volunteers. It has an ongoing requirement to recruit and train additional volunteers who might then be able to assist in future flood responses or other emergencies in their community or elsewhere in the province. Details about volunteering opportunities, training and prerequisites are online at redcross.ca/VRS.
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Twitter: @CanRedCrossATL, @CanRedCrossNB