Preparing for Potential Spring Flooding
In April 6, 2009 Press Release, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority advised that the Trent Severn Waterway Commission is predicting higher than normal water levels for Lake Simcoe. Innisfil residents in low lying areas near the lakeshore are at a greater risk than normal for flood related incidents as snow melt occurs this spring.
With the increased potential risk residents are asked to ensure that they have their 72-hour emergency preparedness kit assembled and ready for use. You may obtain information regarding what your kit should contain from Emergency Management Ontario or through your local Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Deputy Fire Chief Jim Ferry at Fire Station #1, 780 Innisfil Beach Road or (705) 436-2763.
In addition, Public Safety Canada advises that the best way to minimize flood damage is to take precautions ahead of time as recommended below, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.
To reduce the likelihood of flood damage:
- Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
- Install the drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your residence to ensure that water moves away from the building.
- Consider installing a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains.
- Secure objects in your yard that may obstruct water flow.
If a flood is forecast:
- Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve.
- Take special precautions to safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment.
When there is immediate danger of flooding:
- Shut off the electricity.
- If the area around the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on a dry board and shut off the power with a dry wooden stick.
- Try to move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings to floors above ground level.
- Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent pollution.
- Remove toilet bowls and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden stopper.
- Disconnect eavestroughs if they are connected to the house sewer.
- In some cases, homes may be protected with sandbags or polyethylene barriers. This approach requires specific instructions from your local emergency officials.
For further information, please consult the Public Safety Canada website (http://getprepared.ca) or contact the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority at (905)895-1281 or 1-800-465-0437. Please listen to local radio stations or Barrie TV for weather updates. You may also check the Town’s website for updated emergency measures information should a serious incident occur.
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