Flood Precautions

In any flooding or potential flooding event, the following actions should be taken:

Protecting your home

Elevate the furnace, water heater, and electric panel if susceptible to flooding
Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home.
Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
Keep an adequate supply of food, candles and drinking water in case you are trapped inside your home.

Listen to designated radio/TV emergency alert systems for emergency instructions.
Secure/bring in outdoor furniture or other items that might float away and become a potential hazard.
Move valuable items and papers/documents to upper floors.

Seek higher ground. Do not wait for instructions.
Be aware of flash flood areas such as canals, streams, drainage channels.
Be ready to evacuate.
If instructed, turn off utilities at main switches and unplug appliances - do not touch electrical equipment if wet.
If you must leave your home, do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. Use a stick to test depth.
Do not try to drive over a flooded road. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and seek an alternate route.

Stay away from flood water - do not attempt to swim, walk or drive through the area
Be aware of areas where water has receded. Roadways may have weakened and could collapse.
Avoid downed power lines and muddy waters where power lines may have fallen.
Do not drink tap water until advised by the Health Unit that the water is safe to drink.
Once flood waters have receded you must not live in your home until the water supply has been declared safe for use, all flood-contaminated rooms have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, adequate toilet facilities are available, all electrical appliances and heating/cooling systems have been inspected, food, utensils and dishes have been examined, cleaned or disposed of, and floor drains and sumps have been cleaned and disinfected.

For information regarding basement flooding prevention, visit our Flooding page.