It's that time of year again.
The snowpack is at one of the highest levels in history. And with those warmer springs days just around the corner, the Fraser Valley is about to gear up for the potential flood of the century.
Again.
All the major tributary basins that feed the Fraser have above average snowpacks, and the entire watershed holds 31 per cent more snow than usual, according to the latest readings from B.C.'s River Forecast Centre.
This means there is a potential for flooding in Agassiz, Chilliwack and even Harrison Hot Springs. So, what do we do? Hope and pray for a coolish, dry spring? Go visit relatives in the highlands?
No, we can only do one thing. Get prepared. Be prepared. Start with the basics, like water, contact information and some sort of food that could be prepared in an emergency.
We've seen what water can do to a home, to a family, to an entire community — not just in historic floods but in localized flooding situations as seen in Greendale. The water comes fast and furious, and doesn't wait for you to grab this and that.
There is an open house for Kent and Harrison Emergency Social Services on April 28 at Memorial Hall (see facing page for more information). But helpful hints are all over the internet, available by searching emergency preparedness.
Search for the tools now, and you won't find yourself searching for the essentials in the middle of a disaster — whenever, or however, it decides to strike.