Volunteers who have registered with the municipality to aid residents on Erie Shore Drive are asked to stand by and not go to the area this weekend.
Municipal officials say volunteers will be contacted by residents with specific requests so if they have not been contacted, they can assume they are not needed at this time.
April Rietdyk, General Manager of Community Human Services for Chatham-Kent said “well-meaning individuals who don’t have a defined reason for being at the scene could, in fact, hinder efforts of residents who are leaving the area.
“We are asking that people respect the wishes of Erie Shore Drive residents during this difficult time,” Rietdyk said.
To request assistance as a resident, please call the Municipality of Chatham-Kent at 519-360-1998 or come to the Erieau Fire Hall Saturday or Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Boxes and sand bags are available to residents at the Erieau Fire Hall both days while supplies last.
Chris Case, Chatham-Kent’s Fire Chief, issued a video statement about the situation as well. Watch it below:
It’s important that residents be informed and prepared! Please watch this message on the Erie Shore Emergency from Chatham-Kent Fire Chief, Chris Case.#ckont @ckfiredept @LTVCA pic.twitter.com/kuAuTt1Bms
— Chatham Kent (@MunicCK) March 6, 2020
Chatham-Kent Council on Monday unanimously ordered the closure of that section of the road from Erieau Road to 18416 Erie Shore Drive effective at 12:01 a.m. March 9 in order to allow repairs to the dike.
Once the road has closed, residents will not have public access to their property to remove large items such as vehicles.
The municipality’s main phone line, 519-360-1998 will be staffed tonight until 8 p.m. In addition, that number will be staffed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Residents who require emergency accommodation can call 519-354-6628 if calling later than the hours listed above. They should advise that they currently live on Erie Shore Drive.
Residents who want to consider turning off their utilities while away can do so by contacting Entegrus (for water) at 1-866-804-7325. Choose option four then option three.
To arrange shut off of natural gas, contact Enbridge at 1-888-427-8888 and to shut off electricity contact Hydro One, here.
The Chatham-Kent Police would like to remind everyone that Erieau Road to 18416 Erie Shore Drive will be closed starting Monday, March 9.
“This portion of the road will be closed to allow crews time to repair the dike,” police officials stated.
“Municipal officials are urging residents in this area to evacuate their homes for safety reasons. ”
Police officials added: “Residents leaving their homes are reminded to ensure all doors and windows are closed and locked. If possible, please take all sentimental and personal valuables with you. Those living in the area, but not directly affected, are urged to stay vigilant. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call us immediately.”
For updates, please monitor the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s website at https://www.chatham-kent.ca/
They may also be contacted at 519-360-1998.
