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Flood Safety Tips

  • Preparation · Seal your basement windows and ground-level doors. · Install a zero reverse flow valve in basement drains. · Keep important documents on higher floors to protect from flood damage.
     

  • Anticipation · Turn basement furnaces and gas valve off. · Safeguard heating equipment. · Move furniture and electrical appliances above ground level. · Get toxic substances away from flood area to prevent pollution. · Plug toilet connections with a wooden stopper.
     

  • During · Stay aware of what roads are safe, where to go and what to do if the local emergency team asks you to evacuate.
     

  • After · Don’t return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so. · Have an electrician clean, dry and test the main electrical panel. · Make sure the building is structurally safe. · Look for buckled walls or floors. · Minimize contact with floodwater. · Keep children away from contaminated areas while cleaning.

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Get Prepared.ca recommends having an emergency kit that includes:

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  • Water - two litres of water per person per day (Include small bottles that can be carried easily in case of an evacuation order)

  • Food - that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried foods (remember to replace the food and water once a year)

  • Manual can opener

  • Flashlight and batteries

  • Battery-powered or wind-up radio (and extra batteries)

  • First aid kit

  • Special needs items - prescription medications, infant formula or equipment for people with disabilities

  • Extra keys - for your car and house

  • Cash - include smaller bills, such as $10 bills (traveller’s cheques are also useful) and change for payphones

 

Evacuation tips:

  • You should drive with extreme care if you’re using your car. Ensure there’s enough gasoline in the tank. If the car stalls, abandon it. Many people have died after being caught by rising flood waters while attempting to move a stalled vehicle.

  • Electricity and gas valves should be shut off before you evacuate.

  • Do you have a family rendezvous point? It’s a good idea to pre-arrange a meeting place to ensure no one is lost or to establish some system of communication in case of separation.

  • Avoid walking through moving flood waters. Depth can be deceptive, and even shallow water rushing fast enough can sweep you off your feet

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Source: Environment Canada

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