The Canadian Red Cross continues to work closely with the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization and municipal authorities to assist flood evacuees and offers the following update:

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VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE:

Residents who require volunteer assistance at their home may call, email or complete an online form to identify the type of help they require and when it is needed. Volunteers are asked to do the same to identify their availability. City staff will collect this information and efforts will be made to match registered volunteers with residents in need.

Like last year, the city anticipates that there will be a need for a large number of volunteers to support the recovery effort once floodwaters begin to recede.

If you require volunteer assistance or you or your group would like to volunteer, please visit www.saintjohn.ca/floodhelp or call 658-2844.

EVACUEES:

• Individuals and families who have already or who intend to evacuate homes are asked to register with the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-800-863-6582.  Even if they have temporary accommodation such as with family or friends, it’s helpful to emergency authorities and the Red Cross to know how many people have evacuated and from where, how they can be contacted if authorities need to speak with them, and where they are staying.
• If calling the Red Cross toll-free number, evacuees should press 1 or 2 for service in English or French, and then press 5 for New Brunswick (the same number is also used to support flood responses in other provinces).
• The Red Cross recommends that evacuated residents bring with them supplies for seven days including, clothes, prescriptions, mobile devices, pet supplies, valuable documents, cash, credit cards and items to meet the needs of specific householders such as infants, the elderly, those with disabilities/mobility challenges, etc.  Additional advice is available online at redcross.ca/prepare.

Residents who have evacuated and do not have a safe place to stay such as with family or friends have a few options:

• Within the City of Saint John:  Proceed to the Carleton Community Centre at 82 Market Place in west Saint John between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for support including information updates, recharging mobile phones or medical devices, etc.
• In all other areas of New Brunswick, call 1-800-863-6582 to be registered with the Red Cross and be put in touch with Red Cross emergency volunteers in their local area.
• If possible, do not evacuate at night when visibility and safety are reduced.  Residents who must immediately evacuate at night or overnight should call 9-1-1 for assistance from Ambulance New Brunswick or other first responders.

PETS:

• The Canadian Red Cross wants to ensure that residents who should evacuate for safety reasons do not avoid doing so due to pet sheltering limitations. Residents can contact the Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582 for assistance with pet sheltering solutions in their area.

NON-EVACUEES:

• Saint John residents looking for more information can click the City of Saint John River Watch information page here
• New Brunswickers with general concerns about flooding but who have not evacuated or do not anticipate evacuation should not call the Red Cross toll-free number.  Other options are described online at gnb.ca/RiverWatch. These include:
• for recorded updates daily from the New Brunswick River Watch program: 1-888-561-4048
• if concerned about current or potential power outages, contact NB Power at 1-800-663-6272.
• for recorded updates daily on road/highway closures, dial 5-1-1
• For flood damage to homes or businesses, contact insurers where applicable, or to find out more information on Advance Payments Disaster Financial Assistance through Service New Brunswick click here or call 1-888-298-8555
• If facing a medical emergency or other immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
• For general advice on what to do before, during or after a residential flood or evacuation, visit redcross.ca/ready

VOLUNTEERING

The Canadian Red Cross response in New Brunswick is implemented largely by its network of already trained emergency volunteers. It has an ongoing requirement to recruit and train additional volunteers who might then be able to assist in future flood responses or other emergencies in their community or elsewhere in the province. Details about volunteering opportunities, training and prerequisites are online at redcross.ca/VRS.

Twitter: @CanRedCrossATL, @CanRedCrossNB