Update – flooding evacuation order

The City of Abbotsford has issued an evacuation order for XXX properties in Sumas Prairie West due to risk of flooding, including several poultry farms. Evacuation alerts have been issued for additional properties in Sumas Prairie East, Sumas Prairie West, and Clayburn Village.

View this map for more information about areas under evacuation order or alert.

The Nooksack River has topped its banks, and modelling predicts flood water may arrive at the border it the early hours of this morning, and then flood Abbotsford farmland, residential neighbourhoods, and infrastructure.

A reception centre has been established at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre to provide immediate shelter for evacuated residents. All evacuated residents are asked to check in at the centre or online within 24 hours.

Poultry EOC supporting farmers

The Poultry Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is in contact with chicken, turkey, egg, and hatching egg farmers in the affected area to offer support, and is coordinating activities with the city and province. The EOC is advising farmers asked to evacuate to follow all orders and prioritize the safety of themselves, their families, and employees. Where safe, the EOC will coordinate temporary access permits for evacuated areas to support animal care.

Evacuation checklist

Poultry farmers being evacuated, or at risk of being evacuated, are advised to follow several steps to prepare, including:

  • Ensure all members of your family and employees are included in your evacuation. As time and vehicle space allows assist neighbours who need it.

  • Prepare for your farm to be cut off, as you may not be able to return for some time. Take steps to leave your farm in a state maximizing animals’ ability to survive, but only perform actions that are safe:

  • 1
    Close and latch all exterior barn doors hatches, and access points;
  • 2

    Raise side curtains fully and lock them if applicable;

  • 3
    Shut interior doors to slow water movement if barns are partially flooded;
  • 4
    Waterlines – keep nipple waterlines at proper height to maximize animal survival. If your system allows, raise regulators, filters, and medicators slightly to protect equipment while keeping nipples accessible;
  • 5
    Feedlines – Keep feeders at normal height unless deep flooding is expected; if the barn is in a known flood basin, raise feedlines to protect motors and pans;
  • 6
    Ensure birds have adequate feed and water to last several days;
  • 7
    Confirm backup thermostats are set to a safe, stable range;
  • 8
    Configure ventilation for safe unattended operation;
  • 9
    Check generator auto-start is enabled and fueled;
  • 10
    Protect equipment. Move tractors, loaders, generators, and mobile equipment to the highest accessible point. Elevate motors, auger gearboxes, controllers, and electrical tools above anticipated water levels. Shut off nonessential breakers, especially those at floor level or in areas likely to take water;
  • 11

    Protect critical supplies. Move medications, vaccines, feed additives, and small equipment into sealed totes above potential waterline. Elevate farm records and take photos for digital backup;

  • 12

    Move spare fuel cans to high ground. Shut propane valves if tanks sit in low flood-prone areas;

  • 13

    Ensure generator exhaust routes are unobstructed before leaving;

  • 14
    Move vehicles and trailers to high ground or roadside elevations if routes remain passable;
  • 15
    Secure items that can float and block drainage (pallets, barrels, totes);
  • 16

    Photograph barn settings, generator settings, and electrical panels for faster restart later; and

  • 17

    Recheck feed, water, and ventilation stability.

  • If applicable, consider sandbagging barn doors.

  • Prepare for your farm to be cut off, as you may not be able to return for some time. Take steps to leave your farm in a state maximizing animals’ ability to survive, but only perform actions that are safe.

  • Open gates or clearly mark access for emergency responders.

  • Notify your commodity association of your evacuation status and flock numbers for provincial planning.

  • Leave a visible notice at your driveway indicating the site is evacuated, with a contact number.
  • Bring important documents, medications, and valuables.
  • In your home, shut off all gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers. Close all windows and doors.

  • Follow main roads out of the evacuation area, and register at the reception centre.

If you are on evacuation alert, you should prepare to leave rapidly if ordered and take those measures listed above that are doable at the time.

Travel advisory

All highways to the east of Agassiz have been closed due to flooding, falling rock and debris, and hazards. See more information here (link).

The BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit has issued a travel advisory for the Fraser Valley asking people to avoid unnecessary travel and that Highway 1 and other roadways may be closed without notice.