Are You Prepared for a Flood?

Friday, 8 March 2019 12:22

With temperatures changing, snow melting, ice jams releasing and heavy spring rains, flash flooding is a possibility.

COUNTY OF BRANT - The County of Brant is asking everyone to be prepared in the case of a flood this Spring.

Last year we saw a massive flood in the City of Brantford and flooding also impacted Lions Park in Burford. With temperatures changing, snow melting, ice jams releasing and heavy spring rains, flash flooding is a possibility.

County of Brant Emergency Management Program Manager Kent Pottruff says flash flooding occurs with little or no warning and can damage property and injure or kill people.

"It is so important to prepare for an emergency before it occurs. Take time to prepare and review your safety plans with your family and those who support you or depend on you. In the event of an emergency, you should have a kit prepared to sustain you and your family for 72 hours. Stay informed by following your local media agencies and the County’s various social media platforms. Having a Go Bag ready that contains a collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation by officials, is also essential."

The following are safety tips in the event of a flood:

If you are indoors:

- Move essential items (and household chemicals) to an upper floor

- Disconnect electrical appliances and don’t touch electrical equipment if you’re wet or standing in water

- Bring in outdoor furniture (if you have time)

- Don’t eat food that’s come in contact with flood waters

If you are outdoors:

- Move to higher ground if there is a chance of a flash flood

- Don't walk through moving water as you may fall

- If you have to walk, look for where the water is not moving and use a stick to check the ground in front of you

- Keep children and pets away from flood water

- Don't drive through floodwaters

There are a number of things you can do to your house to help prepare it for a flood. The following steps will help prepare you and your family in the event of an emergency:

- Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors

- Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home

- Install the drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your home to ensure water moves away from the building

- Move documents and keepsakes out of the basement

- Keep instructions for shutting off gas and water valves handy and read them carefully