Floods: Before, During & After

Floods can happen anywhere and at any time of the year. The best way to protect yourself and your family in case of a flood is to follow these steps:

• Monitor local weather and alerts: Know your risk. 
• Turn around, don’t drown – avoid flood waters.
• Clean up carefully and wear protective clothing. 

Before

• The key to staying safe is to prepare and to have an emergency plan in place.
• Know the flood risk in your community by calling your municipality and insurance company.
• Know and practice evacuation routes.
• Monitor local weather and alerts and follow instructions if told to evacuate.  
• Have an emergency kit.

Actions to Take: 

• Obtain home insurance with flood coverage.
• Talk to your insurance provider about your risk and additional steps you can take to protect your home.
• Protect your valuables in waterproof containers. Place them above potential water levels.
• Put sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors. Add window wells and covers to windows that are near or below ground level.
• Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level from a flood.
• Find your floor drain and make sure nothing is covering it like boxes, furniture or carpet.
• Install a sump pump, backup pump and power supply. Ensure all are in working order and test them regularly.
• Install a backwater valve. Keep it in working order.
• Check that your roof and eavestroughs are draining properly in heavy rains and that downspouts are directed well away from your home. 
• Clean leaves, garbage, ice and other debris away from the storm drains near your home.
• Ensure your landscaping is properly sloped away from your home.
• Talk with your family and neighbours about what you would do during a flood.
• Have practice drills with your family, so you know what to do and are prepared.

During

• Listen to area radio and television stations and Weatheradio for possible flood warnings and reports of flooding in progress.
• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• When a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there.
• Turn around – don’t drown! Avoid walking and driving through flooded waters. They could be deeper than you think.
• Keep children and pets away from flood water.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.

After

• Consult the Canadian Red Cross Guide To Flood Recovery for step-by-step instructions.

Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities.

• Be alert for further instructions from officials and community leaders - listen to the radio, watch your local news channels, and/or follow your local news outlet and/or emergency officials on social media.
• Do not return home until you are advised it is safe to do so. 
• Contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will want to know a record of damage to your home and belongings and may request photos or video. 
• Maintain good hygiene during flood cleanup by minimizing contact with floodwater or anything that may have come in contact with it. 
• Wear protective clothing, including rubber boots or sturdy boots, safety glasses, hard hat, rubber gloves and a dust mask. 
• Do not use water that could be contaminated. 
• Discard any food items which may have been in contact with flood waters. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage system until electrical components are dry and have been inspected by a qualified electrician.
• Check with local authorities or community leaders on how to properly dispose of damaged items from your home.