Flood Preparedness

In Atlantic Canada, we’re no stranger to floods. In our basements, our garages, our landscape, and sometimes our entire homes – we feel the impact of water damage every spring when the snow starts to melt in earnest. The Canadian Red Cross is also no stranger to floods and other disasters, helping those in need here at home and around the world. We are proud to support their work by raising essential funds for emergency response in Atlantic Canada. As your Atlantic Canadian source for building materials an know-how, we’re sharing some Canadian Red Cross tips on keeping your home, and, more importantly, yourself safe during a flood.

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 it Happens, Be Prepared!

• 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.

Actions to Take:

• Protect your valuables in waterproof containers. Place them above potential water levels.
• Put sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level 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.
• Check that your roof and eavestroughs are draining properly in heavy rains.
• 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.

Get ahead of the flood season in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland or PEI:

During

• Listen to area radio and television stations and Weather radio 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.

Already experiencing the aftermath of a flood? For Atlantic Canadians, it can sometimes be an unavoidable reality. If flooding has impacted your home or family, these products may help you recover from the damage: