Flood Emergency Response Guide

What can you do to prepare for a flood?

Floods are the most common type of natural hazard in Canada and can occur at any time of the year. Usually caused by rapid snow and ice melt, as well as heavy rainfall and storm surges, floods can significantly impact personal safety and business operations.

The below page contains some tips and resources, along with some essential items, that will help in navigating a flood.


Sandbags

1. BEFORE

What you need in preparation for a flood:

  • Prepare an emergency kit
  • Develop an evacuation plan
  • Remove any toxic substances or chemicals from ground level to avoid pollution
  • Move any valuable items from the basement into upper levels to avoid water damage
  • If possible, safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment
  • Make sure all gutters and downspouts are clear of debris
  • If necessary, use water protection sealants around windows and doors
SEH078

Rainwear

SGP356

High-Visibility Rainwear

SGI534

Knee Boots

XG885

Generators

SGW299

Sandbags & Flood Barriers

NI775

Tarps

TEB651

Discharge Hoses

AF296

Sealants


Water on road

2. DURING

What you need to have on hand for a flood:

  • Have a radio or similar device available to stay informed on the latest news reports
  • Keep emergency kit on hand in a portable container
  • Do NOT touch electrical equipment if wet or standing in flooded spaces, as water and live electrical wires can be lethal
  • Do not try to walk or drive through flooded waters
  • Follow routes designated by officials, as shortcuts can be blocked or dangerous
  • Avoid contact with flood water in case of contamination
XC977

Flashlights

AMA932

Duct Tape

SFU792

Two-Way Radios

XI879

Batteries

SGR336

First Aid Kits


Water on road

3. AFTER

What you need following a flood:

  • Use extreme caution when returning to your home or place of work
  • Ensure an electrician has determined it is safe before turning on main power
  • Do not use electrical panels or appliances until they have been thoroughly cleaned and inspected
  • Look for damage to floors and walls, as well as broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris
  • Use the appropriate safety equipment if contact with flood water is necessary, such as gloves, masks and other protective gear
  • Ventilate or dehumidify your property until completely dry
  • Use appropriate cleaners to disinfect floors, walls and all items that made contact with flood waters
  • If mould is present, ensure the appropriate safety gear is used when cleaning affected areas
JC686

Disinfectant Cleaners

AA809

Floor Cleaners

JM894

Floor Mops

JK634

Mop Buckets & Wringers

DC431

Sump Pumps

JC528

Vacuums

JL254

Carpet Extractors

EA494

Blowers

EA831

Dehumidifiers

JL733

Mold Removal

SAS498

Respirators

SEI855

Coated Gloves

JP297

Garbage Bags

TLZ468

Shovels