Northern Health has set up a toll-free telephone line to provide homeowners with health information as they prepare for potential flooding around the region. The new line at 1-888-766-6358 (SNO-MELT) will provide information on preparing for and cleaning up after a flood, along with a message system for people to bring clean-up questions to the health region’s environmental health officers.

“Environmental health officers are experts in a wide range of community health issues, including the health risks related to flooding. Flood waters can potentially lead to mould growth, water contamination, and other health issues. We encourage anyone dealing with flooding to call our new toll free line, so we can provide valuable and practical advice on dealing with household and property flooding,” said Lucy Beck, regional director of NH’s Public Health Protection program.

The Provincial Emergency Program’s website at www.pep.bc.ca also has several helpful facts sheets for homeowners on how to prepare for flooding and clean up after it.

Northern Health as an organization is also preparing for the potential of flooding in Northern BC communities. While the direct flooding risk to hospitals and health facilities is minimal, other flooding issues could impact the health system.

Some of the preparations that Northern Health is taking include:

Ensuring extra supplies are on hand at hospitals and health facilities in the event of transportation problems;
Preparing emergency generators in the event of power outages; and
Coordinating with the Provincial Emergency Program to respond to community issues.