Date: Thursday, August 28, 2003
Time: 10 a.m.
PUBLIC INFO LINE: 869-0386
PRC RECEPTION CENTRE: 762-8646
RED CROSS INFO LINE RE EVACUEES: 1-888-350-6070
PROVINCIAL INFO LINE: 1-800-311-7044
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Another
1,338 residents will be allowed to return to their homes today in the upper
levels of the Chute Lake Road, Southridge, Stonebridge and Summerhill
neighbourhoods. Access will be for residents only between 12:00 noon and 4:00
p.m. to permit orderly re-entry.
The public is reminded that fire tape is in place in many locations in the
impacted areas. The fire tape is there as a visual indication of hazards but no
security is in place to restrict access. Safety and security of private property
remains the responsibility of property owners.
It is recommended that property owners only grant access to those persons with a
need to be on the affected property such as utility crews, contractors and
insurance representatives. Access should be to utility crews, contractors and
property owners only.Hazards such as dangerous trees, compromised structural
components and ash pits may still exist.
The fire tape may be removed at the discretion of the property owner, however it
is recommended that the tape remain in place as a visual reminder of the
potential danger. It may be appropriate for property owners to consider other
means of securing their properties.
City crews are removing some trees on private property that pose an obvious
danger to public safety. The authority for this action has been granted under a
Public Safety Order pursuant to the Provincial Declaration of Emergency.
However, property owners are advised to retain the services of a certified
arborist to evaluate the safety of all trees on private property, and to consult
building professionals to assess structural hazards resulting from fire-impacted
buildings.