EVACUATION Update | December 13, 12:00 PM
Evacuation Order Update
On Monday, December 13, the City of Merritt has established updated Evacuation Order Areas.
These properties are identified as under an Evacuation Order due to potential damages caused by the flood event. This was completed through external assessments and status of services, such as road access, sewer, electricity, and gas.
Properties that are under an Evacuation Order still qualify for ESS supports. Upon inspection of their home, residents who are concerned their dwelling is uninhabitable due to health and safety reasons are encouraged to reach out to the Red Cross located at the Resiliency Centre for support (1950 Mamette Avenue).
Updated Evacuation Order Areas:
- Residents who remain under Evacuation Order are eligible for Day Access between 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Properties that are under an Evacuation Order still qualify for ESS supports.
- First responders and emergency vehicles may not be able to easily access all areas within these areas.
- Check for damage to electrical or gas equipment that may have been damaged by the floodwater. Do not turn anything on until equipment has been inspected by a licensed gas or electrical contractor.
- If your home is not in the New Evacuation Order area and it is uninhabitable, please see the Resiliency Centre located at the Merritt Civic Centre.
- If your property is still uninhabitable you must reconfirm every week with the Resiliency Centre to continue receiving supports.
Evacuation Order Removal Requests:
- Residents are required to submit Evacuation Order Removal Requests to the City as per the following steps:
- Step 1: Contact a registered professional (electrician, gas contractors, etc.) to inspect and correct any utility issues. The professional will provide you with a signed letter confirming that the works have been completed.
- Step 2: Contact the City at rda@merritt.ca or 1-877-655-0341 (option 6) to request that your Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) tag be removed from your property. You will need to provide a copy of the letter you received from your utility contractor if applicable.
- Step 3: A City Building Official will contact you to confirm the removal of your RDA tag.
- If there are other issues with your property (e.g. foundation, insulation, etc.) you will need to inform the Building Official so that they can assist you with applying for a building permit.
- Please include copies of all inspection tickets for all utilities in your email.
Emergency Support Services from the Red Cross:
If you require Emergency Support Services beyond December 15, 2021, register with the Red Cross at one of the locations below or by telephone at 1-800-863-6582.
Kamloops: The North Shore Community Centre
(452–730 Cottonwood Avenue) from 9 am – 4 pm daily
Kelowna: Kelowna Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
(2170 Harvey Avenue) from 9 am – 4 pm daily
Merritt: Merritt Civic Centre
(1950 Mamette Avenue) from 9 am – 4 pm daily

