It's time to prepare for flood season.
When it rapidly warms up, the risk of flooding increases so you – and your home – should be prepared.
Steps to take before flooding occurs:
Did you know flooding is the most frequent natural disaster in Canada? Here’s what to do to prepare your home in case of flooding.
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
- Protect your valuables in waterproof containers. Place them above potential water levels.
- Put sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors. Remove built-up snow from window wells and by doors.
- Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level from a flood.
- Make sure your sump pump is working and install a battery-operated backup.
- 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.
What to do if you experience flooding:
During
- Listen to area radio and television stations 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
After flooding occurs, 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.
Then find out what steps to take in recovering from flooding here:
Floods: Information and & Facts
For more tips on being ready for emergencies, visit
redcross.ca/prepare
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