Flooding

Those in low lying areas know full well where the water runs after heavy rains or during the winter thaw.  This information could also be beneficial if your sump pump fails.

Ask yourself:
Do I live next to a water course?
Do I live in a low lying area?
Is my property located within a Flood Fill Regulated Area?
Do I have a sump pump?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you should consider reading on for more information on how to be prepared.

Reduce the possibility of flood damage:

Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground level doors
Install downspout drainage at a sufficient distance away 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
Consider having a second sump pump available in case the current one fails.

If a flood is forecast:
A Flood Advisory (notifies that the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities), Flood Warning (notifies that flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities), Flood Safety Bulletin (notifies that unsafe lake, river and channel conditions exist) and Watershed Condition Bulletin (notifies of anticipated watershed conditions) are issued by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority or the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority depending on the area involved.    If a flood is forecast you should:

Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve.
Take special precautions to safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment.
If there is enough time, consult your electricity or fuel supplier for instructions on how to proceed.

If a flood is imminent:
Officials will be in contact with you to advise of the circumstances.  Those Innisfil residents who have been affected in the past have been circulated with a Flood Brochure which provides quick reference information that you can easily take with you.  You should also prepare yourself:

Keep your radio on to find out what areas are affected, what roads are safe, where to go and what to do if the local emergency team asks you to leave your home.
Keep your emergency kit close at hand, in a portable container such as a duffel bag, back pack, or suitcase with wheels.
Move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings to floors above ground level. Refer to the Electrical Safety Guidelines to ensure you do what you can to protect yourself from shock.
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 eaves troughs 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.
Do NOT attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present. Water and live electrical wires can be lethal. Leave your home immediately and do not return until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

If you need to evacuate:
Vacate your home when you are advised to do so by local emergency authorities. Ignoring such a warning could jeopardize the safety of your family or those who might eventually have to come to your rescue.
Take your emergency kit with you.
Follow the routes specified by officials. Don't take shortcuts. They could lead you to a blocked or dangerous area.
Make arrangements for pets.
Time permitting, leave a note informing others when you left and where you went. If you have a mailbox, leave the note there.

Never cross a flooded area:
If you are on foot, fast water could sweep you away.
If you are in a car, do not drive through flood waters or underpasses. The water may be deeper than it looks and your car could get stuck or swept away by fast water.
Avoid crossing bridges if the water is high and flowing quickly.
If you are caught in fast-rising waters and your car stalls, leave it and save yourself and your passengers

Re-entering your home:
Do not return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so.
If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood.
Appliances that may have been flooded pose a risk of shock or fire when turned on. Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage system until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician.
The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.
Depending on where you live, your municipal or the provincial inspection authority is responsible for the permitting process required before Innisfil Hydro can reconnect power to your home.
The electrical safety authority has identified all you need know for Electrical Safety and Water Damaged Equipment
Ensure the building is safe, look for buckled walls or floors; watch for holes in the floor, broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.

Floods can leave you with a lot of questions starting with “What do I do now?”   Safety is always the priority and knowing what to do after a flood is key.  The Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit provides a great deal of information on how to identify and address health concerns including sewage contamination, water, food, mould and cleaning related questions.  Information is also available through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation on how to restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health; to prevent further damage to the house and its contents; and to help organize the clean up.

Owners of agricultural properties may also want to check the Get Prepared Site for additional information on handling livestock in these circumstances.