One Flood Victim’s View of the Insanity at the Flood Committee Meeting

Posted On May 23, 2012

On Wednesday May 16th I, like many others, attended the Flood Relief Committee meeting hoping for a sign of relief from someone. I left that night more confused than ever. But I did get mad and I want action! This feeling is the only thing that is keeping me going right now. Two months after the flood I can’t imagine why we have to keep telling EMO and political powers that be that we are still suffering. I feel like good gossip that has moved onto the next juicy story. I suppose to unsuspecting minds as they drive by our streets and see the green grass and trees blooming all are well in our houses, businesses and apartments. All is not well and as Dr. Peter Moore stated so eloquently we do need to get mad and act mad!
 
The solution to prevent and or mitigate future flooding is a no –brainer as many pointed out at this meeting. We have the technology and it would sure be more cost effective than the alternative of compensating homeowners and businesses year after year for flood damages under the DFA program. Or maybe not since the settlement numbers I hear that have been offered thus far to a handful of homeowners are like a slap in the face. “ Dear Homeowner…sorry for the loss of your family’s home, long term investments for the future and retirement fund ….here’s $30,000 have a nice life. I would like to know what the point of all the adjusters are that I waited for anxiously after the flood to come and assess my actual loss and estimate of repair?
 

The director of Public Safety/EMO Greg MacCallum took our questions at this public meeting and actually kicked us when we are down. I can’t believe this EMO director told a roomful of flood disaster victims that we should have picked our stuff up out of our basements and moved it to our main floor because we had 12 days notice? OMG. Does the EMO stand behind this statement by its own director is what I would really like to know. I have always been very thankful for all the amazing work this organization provides in a timely manner but I’m appalled at the ignorant and idiotic comments that Mr. McCallum made to the flood victims of Perth-Andover this evening. I wonder why no one from EMO has been to my house to assess damages, only independent contracted assessors. Maybe they can stay cold and callous more easily if they don’t see the pain, destruction and true devastation this flood has caused to our entire community.
 

As a resident of the flood zone I knew what my risks were. I also knew the home we purchased 8 years ago had, during the worst flood, taken in 2 feet of water in the unfinished basement. The most I had ever seen had been 3 inches. I was as “flood ready” as I could be, based on flood history, which is all one can possibly do. I even ran down to my basement and swept up the over flow kitty litter on the cement floor, which gets real yucky when wet. Whew! Thank goodness I did that. Unfortunately with almost 3 feet of water on the main floor I believe Mr. Wonderful’s (MacCallum) advice to move stuff upstairs would have been a bit futile.
 

I’m more of a “Now” person. The past is the past, the future isn’t here and the present is the only real moment we have- Dr. Wayne Dyer has taught me that. So in this situation we need to start moving more forward at a quicker pace Now. We don’t have time to wait for the usual slow and painstaking government process. We need temporary homes for our homeless, seniors and renters Now; we need an updated and fair appraisal method for our homes, property and businesses Now; and we need to get a jump on the flood proofing and relocation program which apparently I was told at this meeting is another process we have to apply for Now.
 

But most importantly what I learned from this meeting is that we do need to stick together; we need to support the flood relief committee; we need to put more energy into hounding the parties that are involved; and we need to know that we are the captains of our destiny because I’m sure as hell not going to let someone like Mr. Wonderful decide my fate. WE NEED TO GET MAD AND STAY ON TARGET TOGETHER! If you’re not going to help then you have no right to complain.
By the way has anyone seen our Premier David Alward in Perth-Andover since flood? Guess he especially needs some phone calls.
 

I am going to reiterate the following contact information the paper has included. Please make a note to self to call these individuals daily if you’re a flood victim or a concerned family member or friend. Remember the squeaky wheel does get the grease.

Wes McLean, MLA 273-2460, David Alward, Premier 325-4990,
Mike Allen, MP 325-2224 or 473-6632
Dan Dionne, CAO 273-4959
Greg MacCallum, Director Public Safety 453-2133
 

I hope everyone is hanging in there and is safe & loved. I know this sucks but start kicking & screaming and it will give you something to focus on and we will get back to some kind of normal.
PS I’m so Thankful for all the wonderful volunteers, friends, family, people I didn’t even know that stopped by to help in one way or another at our home and business. You have no idea how much your little acts of kindness and help have meant to us.
 

Stacey Kelley
Flood Plain Resident