Preparing for a Flood

If your area is at risk of being flooded:

• Listen to the latest warnings and advisories on the radio and television.
• Prepare your home for a possible extended vacancy and collect necessary personal items you will require if evacuated, such as cash, medication, important papers and identification, change of clothes.
• Remove valuable items from the basement and lower-level areas.
• Ensure that your cell phone is charged – it may be your only means of communication during an evacuation.
• Be prepared to place your pets in a kennel, as evacuation centres may not accept animals.
• Keep your automobile fueled.
• Evacuate if directed to do so.
• In the event of an evacuation, assist those with special needs such as children and persons with disabilities.
• Secure all boats and items left loose on and around piers, docks or boathouses.

During a flood:

• Shut off the electricity, furnaces and the outside gas valves if safe to do so.
• Never try to cross a flooded area on foot.
• If you are in a car, do not drive through flood waters.

After a flood:

Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Take the following precautions following a flood:

• Seek out medical assistance, if needed.
• Check on neighbours who may need assistance.
• Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.
• Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes, or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority.
• The water in your home could be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants after a flood. Listen for instructions from your local public health unit as to what to do.
• Disinfect the entire premises.

• Conservation Ontario   provides a list of Conservation Authorities across the province which provide flood messages.
• Emergency Management Ontario has a number of factsheets, including preparing an emergency survival kit, evacuation and dealing with pets, children and the elderly during an emergency.
• Environment Canada provides weather warnings across Ontario.
• Surface Water Monitoring Centre