Residents in the Hamlet of Tulita are being cautious given the up-river flooding in Dehcho communities.
Interim senior administrative officer Don Smetlzer said that the hamlet’s Elders meeting has been postponed until May 20th.
Tulita’s 24-hour flood watch began on May 7 and, in addition to water levels in Tulita, officials in the hamlet are watching water levels in Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River and Hay River.
In case of a flood in the hamlet an emergency siren will sound to indicate high water levels and Tulita Fire Rescue Members, bylaw and the RCMP will go door-to-door to distribute information.
A release from Smeltzer reads, “Based on how quickly the water rose in Jean Marie River, we encourage residents to evacuate from their homes as soon as soon after the first siren.”
A second siren will sound when evacuation is absolutely necessary and power will be cut homes.
Chief Albert Wright School will act as the local evacuation centre and it is advised that families follow Covid-19 protocol and not enter another family’s bubble.
The release reads, “Everyone who does evacuate from their homes, please register at the school OR by calling 867-374-0334, so that you can be easily contacted.”
Tulita families are asking residents who are currently out on the land at their cabins to work a safety plan in case they need to get to higher ground if need be and have means to communicate with family in Tulita in case of emergency.
