There is a Flood Warning and walking students have been advised by school staff to stay away from flooded areas. If parents do wish to pick up their children, you are encouraged to do so. These extra pick ups will increase the volume of traffic around the school and we encourage you to remain patient as we work to keep all students safe.

The river has flooded Forfar Street and therefore there will be NO pick up out front.

Our procedure for dismissal tonight will be as follows: All walkers and bus students will be dismissed at 3:05 from the back of the school. Students who get picked up by parents will be supervised in a group and wait until the first bus run is gone. They will be escorted to Wigton where they can be picked up at 3:15. Please do not come into the upper lot. If there are students still waiting for parents, they will wait for the second bus run to clear from the upper lot at 3:30 and can be picked up at Wigton again. There will be support On Wigton by the OPP.

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Dated: February 21, 2018

HALDIMAND COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDING TO FLOODING IN CAYUGA, CALEDONIA

HALDIMAND COUNTY, ON – Haldimand County Fire Department is currently responding to flooding on Ouse Street in Cayuga, south of Talbot Street. Forfar Street in Caledonia (east of Argyle Street) is also experiencing flooding. The County Roads Department is working to close these affected roads. The Fire Department went door-to-door performing safety checks early this morning, ensuring cottages along the shore off of Ouse St were empty and the trailer park had all trailers moved. Safety checks on dwellings and cottages in areas prone to flooding will continue throughout the day. River levels remain high throughout the entire Haldimand watershed, with ice still present up the Grand west of Caledonia; water is moving very fast South of York and in Cayuga. Haldimand County Fire Chief Jason Gallagher reminds residents of the dangerous conditions posed by fast flowing water, and advise members of the public to stay out of flood zones/away from shorelines of area lakes, rivers and streams. Residents in low-lying areas of Cayuga, Dunnville & Port Maitland should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around water bodies as flows and levels within lakes, rivers and streams remain high. Residents who have a historic susceptibility to flooding should consider taking action to secure or protect any property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas. This may include ensuring sump pumps are functioning and/or securing items along the shore line as water levels rise.

The Flood Warning will remain in effect until noon on Thursday, February 22, 2018. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop and better forecast information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to monitor local media, the Grand River Conservation Authority & Haldimand County websites and social media accounts for the most up-to-date flood and weather warning information. @GRCA_Flood_Msg, @HaldEmerg, @HaldimandCounty Facebook.com/GrandRiverConservation, Facebook.com/HaldimandCounty Information related to flooding hazards and emergency preparedness – including 72-hour emergency kit preparation – is available on the Haldimand County website under ‘For

Residents’ and ‘Emergency Services’. - 30 -

MEDIA INQUIRIES:

Kyra Hayes

Coordinator, Strategic Initiatives – Haldimand County

905-318-5932 ext. 6309

khayes@haldimandcounty.on.ca Cam Linwood

Spokesperson – Grand River Conservation Authority 519-621-2763 ext. 2251 clinwood@grandriver.ca