In anticipation of rising floodwaters from the Fraser River, the Metro Vancouver Regional District has placed Barnston Island, located in Electoral Area A, under an Evacuation Alert, effective 8:00 a.m. today.The Evacuation Alert is a precautionary measure – Barnston Island residents are not required to leave at this time, but are advised to prepare for the possibility of an Evacuation Order. Access to Barnston Island is now restricted to residents, businesses and those with a family connection. Barnston Island Regional Park is also closed. Staff are actively monitoring Fraser River levels as well as patrolling dikes and deploying sandbags. The BC River Forecast Centre, Environment Canada and Emergency Management BC continue to predict increasing river flows over the next several days, due to an especially early and rapid spring snow melt.Metro Vancouver is responsible for emergency management in Electoral Area A, which includes Barnston Island and other areas of the region that are not part of a municipality. On Monday, May 12, Metro Vancouver hosted a town hall meeting in partnership with the Katzie First Nation to share flood and response information with island residents. Evacuation Alert Information for Residents:Residents of the island are being asked to:Gather essential items, such as medications, eyeglasses, valuable documents, immediate care needs and pets, and be prepared to leave quickly.Know the location of all household members and determine a place to meet if separated during a potential evacuation.Prepare to evacuate children, plus disabled or elderly persons. Begin relocating large pets and livestock to a safe area immediately. No large animals will be allowed on the Barnston Ferry once an Evacuation Order is issued.Arrange accommodation for your family, if possible, in the event of an evacuation. Emergency lodging will be provided if necessary. If time permits, consider taking steps to protect your property from damage.Residents of Barnston Island who have questions about the evacuation alert can contact Metro Vancouver's Information Centre by phone, 604-432-6200, or email, icentre@metrovancouver.org.