Know the Risk- Flooding

Flooding is a frequent occurrence in many parts of North America.  It is most often the result of heavy rainfall or the rapid melting of a large volume of ice or snow and is more likely if the ground is still frozen or if it is already saturated from previous storms.  Floods can also be caused by dam failures.

Flash Floods can be caused by hurricanes or particularly violent storms with heavy rainfall or the collapse of a dam.  They are extremely dangerous because there is little or no warning.  Be aware of the danger of flash flooding in your area – particularly if you life near a stream, or other drainage area with a history of flash flooding.  In the event of a high risk of flash flooding – do not wait for an evacuation order – it may easily come too late.

Prepare for a Flood

• Seal your basement windows and the doors at ground level & seal your basement walls to reduce/prevent seepage.
• Take appropriate steps to prevent drains from backing up into your home
• If possible, have your furnace, water heater and electrical panel above the likely level that a flood will reach.
• If you have a farm and livestock, ensure that your animals have access to higher ground.
• Do not store important paperwork, or chemicals in the basement.
• Stay in touch with any local flood potential via your radio or television. Listen for warnings and act when instructed.
• If you need to leave your home, turn off your utilities and secure your property to the best of your ability, but don’t waste time doing it.  You and your family are more important than the patio set.

During a Flood

• If you’re told to evacuate – do so and follow the approved evacuation routes.  There is no way to know if your “off the beaten path” route will be passable.  Make sure that if you suddenly find yourself in trouble you don’t also find yourself alone.
• If there is no water present, you can shut down your power but once there is any water – do not attempt to do this.
• Don't enter or try to cross a flooded area. The water can be deeper than you think and can change quickly.  If you have no choice – look for still water and use a stick to measure the depth before you step into it. 
• Don’t attempt to walk or drive through moving water.  As little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet and it do also enough to reach the bottom and stall many passenger vehicles or cause the loss of control.  t only takes 12 inches of water to float many passenger cars.  Even  SUV’s and Pick-up trucks can be carried away by 24 inches of fast moving water. 
• If you’re stranded and the water is rising around your car – get out as quickly as possible if you can do it safely.
• Take your Family Emergency Kit if you need to leave your home

After the Flood

• Don’t return home until you are told that it’s safe.
• Don’t drink the water until you’ve been told that the local supply is safe.
• Use extreme care in entering any building after a flood as the damage will not necessarily be apparent. 
• Watch out for downed power lines.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect anything that got wet. If you can’t disinfect it, throw it away. . Be aware that floodwaters can contain sewage, chemicals and worse.
• When you return home, do your best to photograph and document the damage.
• Cleaning up / drying out your home after a flood is a complicated process, you need to be careful about how your drain the water and how quickly or the structure could collapse.
• If you’re using mechanical pumps or heaters powered with gas or kerosene make sure you have a carbon monoxide sensor operating. 
• Before you re-enter your home, get a checklist of clean up guidelines from your local authorities and have your power and electrical appliances checked.