Flooding

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Flood damage costs Canadian taxpayers millions of dollars annually. All governments work to reduce the chance of floods, but the first line of defence is the individual. Each of us has a responsibility to protect our homes and families to the greatest extent possible. By planning ahead and taking sensible precautions, you can do your part to minimize flood damage.

Be prepared for flooding

Homeowners, renters and businesses can take the following precautions to help prevent or lessen the effects of flooding:

� Ensure your sump pump is working; have a back-up pump.

� Ensure your eavestroughs, culverts and drainage ditches are clear.

� Ensure your insurance policy provides adequate coverage, including sewer back-up insurance.

� Assemble a 72-hour emergency supplies kit.

If you are at risk

When authorities have advised you that flooding is imminent, take precautions to ensure that you, your family and your property are protected.

� Have emergency food, water and medical supplies on hand.

� Move furniture, electrical appliances, livestock, equipment and other belongings to higher levels.

� Remove or seal hazardous products, like weed killers or insecticides, from areas at risk of flooding.

� Remove toilet bowl water and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connection.

� Have sandbags ready to use.

If you are evacuated

� Follow the routes specified by officials. Don't take short cuts � they could lead to a blocked or dangerous area.

� Travel very carefully through flooded areas only if it's absolutely necessary. Roads may be washed away or covered with water. If you come across a barricade or a flooded road, take a different route.

� Keep listening to the radio for information.

� Emergency workers will be busy assisting people in flooded areas. Help them by staying out of the way.

� Watch out for power lines that are down.

� If you are caught in fast-rising water and your car stalls, leave it and save yourself and passengers.

After a flood