Large number of phase 3 residents able to return home

The risk of flooding has passed for our community and the City of Merritt is happy to announce that the Evacuation Orders for Phases 3 and Phase 4 (with the exception of certain properties) has been lifted. Properties that are under a New Evacuation Order are noted below in the New Evacuation Order map.

Properties that are under an Evacuation Order still qualify for ESS supports. The properties that remain under Evacuation Order are either: un-inhabitable, unsafe, do not have natural gas, do not have water, do not have sewer, do not have electricity, or a combination of these situations.

Residents in who are not in the New Evacuation Order area can return home today, December 3rd at 2:00 PM.

Return Home:

• Residents NOT in the New Evacuation Order area are able to return home as of today, December 3rd at 2:00 PM.
• Sewage systems are available for use.
• A “BOIL WATER NOTICE” is now in place for the whole city. Water must be brought to a rolling boil for at least 60 seconds and then stored in food grade containers. For more information see InteriorHealth.ca
• Garbage collection will resume for areas outside of the New Evacuation Order area next week (December 6th) on the normal garbage pick-up schedule.
• Residents must be aware of the hazards and potential dangers that come with accessing flood affected areas. Some roadways are not accessible due to infrastructure damage such as buckled sidewalks and roads and eroded road shoulders. Other hazards include closed-off areas; contaminated soils; sinkholes; and extensive debris/mud/water.
• First responders and emergency vehicles may not be able to easily access all areas within the city.
• Check for damage to electrical or gas equipment that may have been damaged by the floodwater. Do not turn anything on until equipment has been inspected by a licensed gas or electrical contractor.
• FortisBC crews have left tags with instructions with properties where they were unable to restore natural gas services. Follow the instructions on the tag at your home.

NEW Evacuation Order Areas:

• Residents who remain under Evacuation Order are eligible for Day Access between 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
• Properties that are under an Evacuation Order still qualify for ESS supports.
• These properties include:

• Residents in these areas must be aware of the hazards and potential dangers that come with accessing these areas. Some roadways are not accessible due to infrastructure damage such as buckled sidewalks and roads and eroded road shoulders. Other hazards include closed-off areas; contaminated soils; sinkholes; and extensive debris/mud/water.
• First responders and emergency vehicles may not be able to easily access all areas within these areas.
• A “BOIL WATER NOTICE” is now in place for the whole city. Water must be brought to a rolling boil for at least 60 seconds and then stored in food grade containers. For more information see InteriorHealth.ca
• Check for damage to electrical or gas equipment that may have been damaged by the floodwater. Do not turn anything on until equipment has been inspected by a licensed gas or electrical contractor.
• FortisBC crews have left tags with instructions with properties where they were unable to restore natural gas services. Follow the instructions on the tag at your home.
• Garbage collection has not yet resumed for these areas.
• If your home is not in the New Evacuation Order area and it is un-inhabitable, please see the Merritt ESS at the Resiliency Centre located at the Merritt Civic Centre.
• If you are in the New Evacuation Order area and you have completed an inspection, service restoration or repair, and you believe your home is habitable, contact the Merritt ESS and it will be removed from the New Evacuation Order area.
• If your property is still un-inhabitable you must reconfirm every week with ESS to continue receiving supports.