THUNDER BAY – June 19 2012- 12:00EDT – The City of Thunder Bay remains on alert, monitoring for city-wide flooding risks, and ready to deploy pumping equipment and staff resources in case of flooding due to thunderstorms forecasted for today and Wednesday.
“The City and residents are still recovering from the last major storm and we want to be as ready as possible if we do receive a lot of rain,” said Mayor Keith Hobbs after an Emergency Operations Control group meeting held Tuesday morning.
The City and its emergency partners have activated contingency plans to be in a state of readiness.
During the rain storms, workers will monitor the sewer system as well as other infrastructure such as roads, bridges and trails, said Darrell Matson, General Manager – Infrastructure & Operations. “Depending on the specific locations affected, heavy rainfall could put added strain on the Water Pollution Control Plant. The Plant continues to be staffed 24 hours a day to monitor the situation.”
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is reminding residents to exercise caution in and around area waterways. Items stored near stream banks should be moved to higher ground. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children away from all waterways. Residents living along rivers and creeks should watch water levels over the next few days.
Anyone in need of flood assistance or offering flood assistance can call 98 FLOOD (983-5663). Tbaytel is offering free calling to 98 FLOOD (983-5663) from its Millennium Pay Phones within the city. These pay phones are the units with the scrolling displays. To place a call to 98 FLOOD (983-5663), a customer does not have to deposit coins but if one does the coins will be returned.
The Emergency Operations Control (EOC) group will meet Thursday morning and a media conference will be held at 9:30 am at the North Central Fire Station at 60 Water St. S.