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During a Flood

Flooding can sometimes happen quickly and may affect just a few or many homes.

During a Flood

Flooding can sometimes happen quickly and may affect just a few or many homes. Monitor your local news for weather updates and special announcements from local officials. Keep your emergency kit close at hand, in a portable container such as a duffel bag, back pack, or suitcase with wheels.


    Reducing the Risk of Flood Damage

    If heavy rains are forecasted for your area and the potential for flooding exists, the following actions can help reduce property damage to your home:

    • Clear drains, gutters and downspouts of dead leaves and other debris.
    • Move furniture, electronics and items of sentimental value out of basements and lower levels of the home or raise them off the floor
    • To reduce the chances of rugs getting wet, roll them up and if possible, store them on higher floors 
    • Ensure sump pumps and backwater valves are working properly. If a sump pump has a battery backup, ensure the batteries are fresh and replace the batteries as required. 
    • Make sure basement windows are closed. 
    • Ensure that generators, hoses and portable pumps are maintained and accessible should they be required. 
    • Always operate gas powered equipment in a well ventilated outdoor area.

    Potential Hazards in Flooding Conditions

    Flooding conditions can create hazardous situations both in and around your home. Here are some potential hazards to be aware of:

    • Standing water may be electrically charged by indoor electrical systems and underground or downed power lines. Keep yourself, children and pets away from standing water and downed power lines 
    • Floodwaters can move quickly and pose a risk of drowning. Protect your safety and do not drive or walk through floodwaters. 
    • Building structures can be affected and become unsafe. Leave your home if there are any signs of potential foundation and structural damage, including to porch roofs and overhangs. 
    • Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. Do not travel in flood impacted areas. 
    • Flood waters can contain sewage (may contain bacteria, viruses or parasites), chemicals and debris like broken glass.  Keep yourself, family and pets away from flood waters. Do not enter a flood area unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing.

    Evacuation

    For your protection, you may decide it is necessary for you to evacuate your home or an area impacted by flooding. You may also be officially notified to evacuate. This notification may occur in several ways including:

    • A weather alert
    • Social media
    • Local media
    • Officials going door-to-door

    If you expect you might need to evacuate during an emergency, keep phone lines open for use by emergency workers and monitor local radio, TV, and the Internet for emergency instructions and current information.

    Also be sure to follow instructions from officials and evacuate immediately if asked. Travel only on routes specified by officials—a shortcut could take you to a blocked or dangerous area.
    If you have time and can do so safely:

    • Take your Emergency Kit (refer to Before a Flood for more details), medications, and needed supplies with you in the event of an extended evacuation.

    • If it is safe to do so, shut off water, gas and electricity in your home. If not, evacuate your home but do not go back inside until a utility company has confirmed it is safe.

    • Check to see if your neighbours require assistance.


    Emergency Evacuation Centres

    In some cases, an emergency evacuation centre may be set up to provide shelter and food to people affected by the flood. If so: 

    • Leave a note if you have time (in a mailbox if you have one) telling others when you left and where you went.
    • If you are evacuated, register with the authorities at the evacuation or reception centre so you can be contacted and reunited with your family and loved ones.
    • If you are going somewhere other than a designated centre, register with the centre, notifying them of your whereabouts. This helps to create an accurate record of flood victims.

    If you remain in your home

    Remember that flooding can affect your safety and possibly your health. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury before you enter any area that has been flooded.

    Helpful hints:

    • Assume that everything touched by floodwaters is contaminated. Stay clear unless your skin is covered and you are wearing protective clothing such as coveralls, rubber boots, gloves and masks.
    • Keep children and pets away from flooded areas and contaminated items.
    • Before entering your home, check for foundation and structural damage and make sure all porch roofs and overhangs are supported. If you suspect any damage, leave your home until a professional such as a building inspector or structural engineer has confirmed it is safe to re-enter.
    • If you notice any gas odours, evacuate your home and contact the gas company or fire department.
    • Flood waters can contain sewage (may contain bacteria, viruses or parasites), chemicals and debris like broken glass. Keep yourself, family and pets away from flood waters. Do not enter a flood area unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing.
    • Only if it is safe to do so, turn off electricity in your home at the main breaker or fuse box.
    For more information on how your family can be prepared before a Flood, visit GetPrepared.ca