HAY RIVER - Hay River is preparing for its annual flood watch but officials are hopeful the threat of high water might be low this year.

Dustin Smith has been named this year's flood co-ordinator by the Hay River emergency measures organization (EMO) committee. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

"It is looking pretty good," said Dustin Smith, this year's flood co-ordinator with the Hay River emergency measures organization (EMO) committee.

Smith said the ice and snow loads on the river are not as high as in previous years. There is not a lot of snow left in the bush of the river's watershed, and the weather has been co-operating.

"These are all good indicators for us," he said at a flood preparedness meeting of Vale Island residents on April 20. However, Smith added he did not want to get anyone's hopes up.

Residents of Vale Island, which includes Old Town and the West Channel area, were advised to take all necessary flood precautions in advance of breakup.

The breakup usually occurs sometime around the first week of May.

The April 20 meeting was attended by about 45 people, who had various concerns about the coming breakup.

Some sought clarification of the evacuation procedure in case flooding does occur.

If the EMO calls for an evacuation, it would not be mandatory, but at the discretion of residents, Smith said. "Our whole idea is to help you guys out for your own safety."

Mayor Kelly Schofield said, once residents evacuate, they would be allowed to return to their homes as soon as possible, but not if streets or the highway are under water.

"We don't want you displaced," Schofield said. "We want you to be in your homes."

Flood information will be distributed in a number of ways, including signs, recorded telephone messages and radio announcements. Some residents have also provided e-mail addresses to receive information.

The residents were also advised to pre-plan for a possible flood and evacuation by preparing their homes and properties and arranging for a place to stay.

"Don't wait for the last minute to do so," said Coun. Kevin Wallington, the co-chair of the EMO committee.

Wallington added that anyone evacuating Vale Island should register at a reception centre at the Royal Canadian Legion, regardless of where they plan to stay.