Following the lifting of the evacuation of the town of Drayton Valley due to wildfire risk, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is urging caution as residents begin to return to the community.
Effective May 16, 2023, the wildfire risk for the town of Drayton Valley has subsided enough to allow for residents to return in a staggered re-entry. This includes all AHS staff, physicians and volunteers who were part of the evacuation.
During the overnight hours May 4, AHS, with the help of our EMS teams, began the evacuation of all patients and residents in care at Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre following an evacuation order issued for the community due to wildfire risk. By mid-afternoon May 5, all those in care at the hospital, as well as those caring for them, were safely relocated to alternative facilities.
As part of the re-entry, AHS will be resuming operation of the Emergency Department as of 7:30 a.m. on May 17. Other services, including laboratory collections, diagnostic imaging, dialysis and public health appointments will follow in the coming days.
Home Care clients returning to the community are asked to contact the Home Care office after May 18 so that appointments can be scheduled once clients are settled.
All residents and business owners who are returning home are reminded that wildfire areas can pose risks to your health. After a wildfire, your home may be affected by smoke, soot and ash, chemicals, structural damage, and water damage.
- If you need immediate assistance, phone 911. EMS crews remain in the area to support emergencies.
- Do not go back into any areas that were heavily damaged or destroyed by wildfire until the local authorities allow you to return.
- Once you are able to enter burned-out areas safely, be very careful. Take basic precautions and be aware of hazards to your health and safety: visit www.ahs.ca/wildfire.ca for advice and precautions, and find your personal Restore Your Home checklist here: Returning to Your Home after a Wildfire: Restore Your Home (alberta.ca).
- Businesses such as restaurants, day cares and personal services (salons, tattoo parlours, etc.) can access supports from an Environmental Public Health Officer prior to reopening if they have questions by calling 1-833-476-4743. * If you need to talk, call the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 or Health Link at 811.
The health and safety of patients and staff remains AHS’ top priority, says officials. The organization says they are continuously monitoring the wildfire situation and continue to work closely with their community partners for a safe re-entry to the community and a safe return to healthcare services.
Planning is underway to support the return of patients and continuing care residents who were evacuated from the Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre. AHS says these patients and residents remain safe in alternative facilities at this time. Their moves back to Drayton Valley is anticipated to be carefully coordinated over the coming days.
As evacuated patients and continuing care residents are relocated to Drayton Valley, officials say AHS will remain in contact with families of loved ones to share patient/resident location information.
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