Aid for Southern Lakes, Tagish & Lake Labarge

PLEASE NOTE: EVACUATION ALERT HAS BEEN RELEASED - PLEASE PREPARE TO EVACUATE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE.

The Government of Yukon has issued a public flood update for July 8, 2021.

An evacuation alert is in effect for the following areas:

• Lewes River Road (Sawmill Road) – all residences

• Army Beach Drive – residences 66 through to 132 (inclusive)

• South M'Clintock Road – residences 95-130

• Pearson Lane – residences 8 and 10

Government officials have said this is the largest flood mitigation in Yukon history!

——-Volunteers are DESPERATELY required for Sandbagging!———

As you may know, the Southern Lakes, Tagish and Lake Labarge Regions connected via the Yukon River are flooding excessively and dangerously, exceeding levels of the 2007 flood.

This occurrence has resulted in many homes and properties at severe risk of damages, with many occupants on edge and preparing to evacuate at a moment's notice.

Not only is the Yukon experiencing extreme flooding, but there are also multiple fires surrounding some of these very same areas. Floods combined with forest fires can be devastating if we are not prepared together. 

This fundraiser is to aid in the overflow of services our local Governments, and Red Cross can offer evacuees.  

Yukon Helpers Network recently met with the manager of the Red Cross Disaster Deployment Team from Alberta (who also works side by side with our Emergency Support Services of the Yukon) to understand the risks our community members could be facing if these natural disasters pose further damages. 

He explained how Red Cross would step in to support our government if a situation were to develop. To help our community members be better prepared, here is what we learned should be considered priority: 

1. The Yukon desperately requires HANDS-ON Volunteers for sandbags. There are multiple locations where you show up with a shovel, fill bags and zip-tie. 

A list of sites for Sandbags: 
-South M’Clintok Road 
-Marsh Lake Community Centre
-Boat launch off Nolan Drive at Marsh Lake
-Horse Creek Road - Jackfish Bay at Lake Labarge
-Shallow Bay at Lake Labarge
-Tagish Community Centre
-Tagish gas station
-Beside the Carcross Airport

2. BE PREPARED with a family emergency kit and aim to be self-sufficient FOR A MINIMUM OF 72 HOURS: 

-Include kids items (favourite stuffies and travel toys)
-Bottled water
-Flashlight 
-Sunscreen
-Feminine Products 
-Pet Crates, Food, Dishes
-Non-perishable snacks
-Can Opener
-Prescriptions
-Extra Batteries 

For a better list on how to prepare a Family Emergency Kit visit: www.getprepared.gc.ca  

You can also purchase emergency kits from the Canadian Red Cross Website: www.products.redcross.ca

3. Seek additional accommodations for pets, livestock - if possible. 

So - What would happen if they ask us to evacuate?

In the event of an evacuation, an alert would be issued. This means residents living in the area would be asked to evacuate to a set location.  Evacuees would be asked to register with the Canadian Red Cross to receive supports, and ensure everyone is located. 

Red Cross works with our government to connect you with a virtual operations team responsible for tracking residents, setting up accommodations, and things like clothing on an ‘as-needed’ basis; Red Cross is limited in how much they can offer and are not at the capacity to be a donation management system for evacuees.

This is where our GoFundMe steps in: to fill those gaps and make sure our community member's needs can be met and supported. If you need further assistance beyond what Yukon government and Red Cross can offer you - Yukon Helpers Network is here! 

Send us a message on Facebook to get connected with our team and find further supports.

Any monetary donations remaining from this pool will remain with our organization to support future emergencies.

From my heart,

Ash 
Executive Director 
Yukon Helpers Network