Flood

Flood messages

Know the difference between water safety statements, flood outlook statements, flood advisories and flood warnings.

Water safety statement: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children and pets. Flooding is not expected.
Flood outlook statement: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood advisory: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flood warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.

To reduce the likelihood of flood damage:

Consider installing a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains
Don't store your important documents in the basement. Keep them at a higher level, protected from flood damage.
Don't keep valuables including electronics in the basement
Don't store household chemicals, such as bleach, in the basement

Get your emergency kit and place it by the exit
If instructed by local authorities, turn off basement furnaces and outside gas valve
Shut off the electricity only if flooding has not yet begun and the area around the fuse box is completely dry. Have a flashlight with you.
Don't attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present. Water and live electrical wires can be deadly. Leave your home immediately and don't return until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
Move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings to floors above ground level
Remove toxic substances such as household cleaners, pesticides and insecticides from lower levels to prevent pollution and contamination

Monitor radio, television and online media to find out what areas are affected, what roads are safe, where to go and what to do if local authorities ask you to evacuate your home
Don't enter a flooded basement that may contain live wires or appliances
Never cross a flooded area. If you're on foot, fast water could sweep you away or the ground underneath could be swept away.
If you're in a car, don't drive through flood waters or underpasses. The water may be deeper than it looks and your car could get stuck or swept away by fast water.
Avoid crossing bridges if the water is high and flowing quickly, fast water could sweep you away or the ground underneath could be swept away
If you're caught in fast rising waters and your car stalls, leave it and save yourself and your passengers

Don't return home until local authorities have advised that it's safe to do so
Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood
If the main power switch wasn't turned off prior to flooding, don't re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it's safe to do so
Throw out food that's been contaminated or expired if the power was out
Be aware of the risk of mould