The following is being distributed at the request of the Emergency Operations Centre in Badger:

Inspection of Badger homes begins.

• The Town of Badger has amended the evacuation order for the town. As of March 3, 2003, at 9:00 a.m. the evacuation order is lifted for these streets only:
  
  • Third Avenue
  • Third Avenue Extension
  • Fourth Avenue
  • Sunset Drive from the intersection of Route 370 to the intersection of Third Avenue

Homes on these streets are being inspected by residents and members of the Emergency Operations Committee today.

• The state of emergency for the town is still in effect. The evacuation order for the rest of the town also remains in effect. In the interest of their safety, it is important residents continue to respect the evacuation order.

• The purpose of the inspections is to determine if individual houses are safe for the owners to return.

• Members of Badger town council and the Concerned Citizens Committee have contacted residents with homes on these streets and arranged appointments for individuals to accompany members of the fire department to inspect individual homes.

• At the time of their appointment, individuals are to check in at the Pentecostal Church on the Buchans Highway, after which they will be escorted to their residence by an emergency official. Individuals are asked to bring identification, if possible.

• After the inspections are completed, the residents will be notified if it is safe to return. If these homes are okay, it is expected that those residents can return Monday and Tuesday.

• Individuals will not be permitted into the town unless they have a pre-arranged appointment.

• It is necessary to do the inspections and re-occupation of the town on a phased-in basis to determine if the town�s municipal services (that is, water and sewer) can successfully handle the return of the residents.

• On Tuesday, March 4, officials from the Emergency Operations Centre will evaluate the water and sewer systems to determine if the systems are accommodating the number of residents who have returned to the town.

• If the systems are handling the demand, the town will then look at making another area accessible to residents, and phase two of the inspection process will begin on Wednesday, March 5. The same process will apply: that is, individuals will be contacted and appointments made, and then members of the fire department will accompany them to their homes for an inspection.

• Under phase two (expected Wednesday, March 5), houses on the following streets will be inspected:

• First Avenue
• Second Avenue
• The remainder of Sunset Drive
• Small section of Maple Street

Media contact: Lynn Evans, (709) 682-9468

2003 03 03                                      1:20 p.m.