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1. What should people do to minimize damage to their homes if they are going to be away during the freshet?

Residents are advised to obtain Fraser River flood forecast information  from the Emergency Management BC website. Regular freshet updates are also available at the BC River Forecast Centre website.

The City of Maple Ridge also has a web page with valuable information and links to resources.

Here is a link to flood preparation information for home owners prepared by Emergency Management BC.

2. How can I know if I am at risk?

The City of Maple Ridge has developed our Emergency Response Plan for flooding based on data collected and released by the BC River Forecast Centre. The River Forecast Centre notes that their models can change due to weather conditions (extreme heat or rainfall) which may make river levels change rapidly. 

As a precaution the City of Maple Ridge has established a central sandbag depot that will be active for the duration of the Fraser River Freshet. If you have not received a Flood Advisory notification sandbagging may be premature. We recommend that you focus on other advance planning recommendations located on the City website. 

The depot is located at ‘Albion’s Bradley’s One Stop Landscape and Garden Supplies’ and will be open to the public from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm daily. The address is 23549 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge, Phone: 604-836-9274.

3. What should people do if they are given an Evacuation Alert?

People who receive an Evacuation Alert need to prepare to leave quickly in the event an Evacuation order is issued. Here is the information we distribute as part of an Evacuation Alert:

• Gather essential items such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable papers (i.e. insurance), immediate care needs for dependents and, if you choose, keepsakes (photos, etc). Have these items ready for quick departure.
• Prepare to move any disabled and/or children.
• Moving pets or livestock to a safe area.
• Arranging to transport your household members or co-workers in the event of an evacuation order.
• Arrange accommodation for your family if possible. In the event of an evacuation a reception centre will be opened if required.
• Monitor news sources for information on evacuation orders and location of Reception Centres.

4. What should people do if they are given an Evacuation Order?

It is very important that residents follow the directions of emergency services personnel if an Evacuation Order is issued.

As soon as advised, those affected should leave their homes or businesses and register at the reception Centre so we know that you are safe. After that you are encouraged to seek accommodation with friends and relatives in unaffected areas or if you require assistance with lodging please alert the staff at the Reception Centre.

5. How will we know if we are being evacuated?

We will have first responders go door-to-door to deliver the Evacuation Notice to properties that may be impacted by flooding.

City staff will also post updates on our website

If you would like to get these alerts directly to your email or smartphone please go to our website and use the ‘Notify Me’ link to subscribe to the ‘Fraser River Alerts’ which is part of the Alert Centre menu. The City of Maple Ridge will also post links to the updates on our social media sites on Facebook (www.facebook.com/yourmapleridge) and Twitter (@yourmapleridge).

6. How much notice will a person have that their area is going to flood?

While it is difficult to predict, weather patterns and forecasts will be the primary indicator of Fraser River water levels. The City relies on the BC River Forecast Centre for regularly updated flood forecasts. We issue Evacuation Alerts and information notices based on the most up-to-date projections and observed water levels on the Fraser or Alouette Rivers.

7. In the event of a flood, how long would it be before the water recedes?

In general, the exact time frame and level of high water is entirely dependent on weather patterns. A rapid heating pattern would result in higher water levels over a shorter duration, and a cooler pattern in lower water levels over a longer duration. The forecasts of the BC River Forecast Centre and observed conditions in the community are used by the City of Maple Ridge to determine when an Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order are ended.

8. What will happen to the sewer systems if there is a flood?

The Sewer System for the City of Maple Ridge is well protected from the impacts of flooding related to the Fraser River freshet. There may be localized impacts for homes that have water ingress into basements. City staff will work with homeowners to identify those impacts in the recovery phase after a flood.

9. Would our water supply be affected in any way?

The City’s water supply, part of the Metro Vancouver water system is well protected from the impacts of flooding related to the Fraser River Freshet. There may be localized impacts for homes that have water ingress into basements.

Citizens who get their water from a well should follow Fraser Health guidelines for reactivating a well after a flood event.