THUNDER BAY – Rebecca Johnson says that people are coming in from across Canada to help here in Thunder Bay. The central numbers are a key 983-5663 and flood@thunderbay.ca to centralize management of the crisis adds the Councillor at Large for the City of Thunder Bay. “There are so many safety concerns right now, we don’t want anyone getting hurt,” said Acting Mayor Rebecca Johnson. “The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has compiled an extensive list of ways people can try to minimize or prevent injury.”
Johnson says that we must conserve water, we are not out of the woods, and the issue is across the city.
“Progress is being made at the Secondary Sewage Treatment Plant to allow for assessment and repairs to the main pumping station,” said Darrell Matson, General Manager – Infrastructure & Operations. “The temporary pumping station is working well but if we get a large amount of rainfall progress will be hampered.”
Matson says that progress is continuing to get the Atlantic Water Treatment plant going. The breach in the plant that allowed the flood waters to fill the facility has not been located.
Public Meetings:
Saturday, June 2, 2012
The City of Thunder Bay and members of the City’s Emergency Operations Control Group invite residents affected by the City Flood Emergency to public meetings as follows:
Slovak Legion, 801 Atlantic Avenue
1:30 pm light lunch and refreshments
2 pm to 3:30 pm – update and questions & answers
Moose Hall, 434 Fort William Road
3:30 pm light lunch and refreshments
4 pm to 5:30 pm – update and questions & answers
City Manager Tim Commisso states that we are in “full relief mode”.
The Red Cross is working on the ground to help and to co-ordinate efforts with the volunteers at St. Peters’ Church. The Red Cross has received $40,000 in its fundraising efforts. “The City of Thunder Bay has been very generous and the majority of funds are from people in Thunder Bay,” stated the representative.
The Salvation Army is continuing its support as well. The food service is ongoing, and the SA are adjusting their services to define the areas the food trucks are going to be in specific areas. The money raised will be made available to residents affected. The timeline is not yet set but the Salvation Army shares that it could be as short as a few days.
460 meals were served yesterday by the food vans.
Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro states he spent yesterday in affected areas. Mauro shares that the province is doing what is needed, but that we are still in the early stages of this problem. “There are many sad stories in the East End,” stated Mauro.
Mauro and his office staff are continuing to offer assistance.
Clean Up Tips from Thunder Bay District Health Unit
Residents should:
•Keep children and pets away from flood water and sewage. Avoid contact with sewage as much as possible.
•Be sure flood water has been pumped out of affected area before cleaning up.
•Wear rubber gloves, rubber boots and goggles during cleanup for personal protection.
•Remove contaminated items for garbage pick up that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as drywall, insulation, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, books, etc.).
•Clean all hard surfaces (floors, concrete, wood, metal) with hot water and detergent.
•Disinfect surfaces with bleach and water solution: one cup of household bleach to a bucket of water.
•Dry out flood-affected surfaces with fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mould.
•Look after themselves by washing hands after clean up, prior to eating, etc. The Health Unit and the City encourage those doing flood clean up to use soap and water for hand cleaning.
Get Help/Need Help
The Emergency Operations Control Group has setup a dedicated phone line (98 FLOOD, 983-5663) and email (flood@thunderbay.ca) to handle the many requests from residents who need help or from those, including businesses, who are offering help.
The Red Cross with help from the Salvation Army and other partners are continuing direct contact with affected residents today.
Facilities Update
The following facilities remain closed until further notice: the Canada Games Complex, Churchill and Volunteer Pools, the 55 Plus Centres and the West Thunder Community Centre.
Key Contact Numbers
- City contact for offers of assistance and requests for help – 98 FLOOD [983-5663] or flood@thunderbay.ca
- To donate to the Thunder Bay Flood Fund – 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or to the Canadian Red Cross – 1-800-418-1111
- For more information – www.thunderbay.ca/flood
- Thunder Bay Hydro – 343-1111 or after hours 343-1002 – for electrical problems or concerns
- Infrastructure & Operations – 625-2195 – to report flooding or for questions or concerns about City roads and other City infrastructure
- Ministry of Transportation – 511 – for information about provincially-owned highways
- 211 for general information and details on reception centre
- 911 should only be called if there is an emergency
This report will be updated.