The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has issued the call for volunteers to help residents who have been asked to leave their homes under a state of emergency.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff declared a state of emergency for Erie Shore Drive and low lying areas on part of Erieau Road late Friday afternoon, due to the possible failure of a section of the Erie Shore Drive dike.
In order to help the affected residents, a Community Support Centre will be set up at the Erieau Fire Hall on Sunday from 9 a.m until 6 p.m.
There will be case managers and emotional support resources available to help residents. Paramedics will also be there to provide help for those who have ongoing health concerns. Up to 25 moving boxes will be made available per home.
Residents will also be able to grab up to 25 empty sandbags (per home) at McGeachy’s Pond. However, people will need to bring their own shovels.
A media release issued on Saturday also stated that more volunteers are needed to help residents with packing, transporting, and storing belongings. Volunteers are also needed to fill sandbags.
Those who are interested in helping are asked to contact the municipal customer service department at (519) 360-1998 or email ckinfo@chatham-kent.ca.