Residents around lakes and rivers should be aware of potential seasonal flood risk. It is important to be prepared.
We will provide information to keep residents informed of conditions. During flood season, we will post regular media releases on the website and through newspaper, radio stations and social media.
Tips to Prepare for Flooding
Apart from the physical damage to property, experiencing a flood can be an extremely emotional time. A few hours spent making your home secure, preparing an emergency kit and flood plan can help you to survive the effect of a flood.
What you need to do:
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- Understand the flood risk to your area
- Prepare your home and property
- Respond when water comes
- Recover after a flood
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How to prepare for a flood:
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- Check with your local municipal web site
- Think about relocation routes and centres
- Prepare an emergency kit
- Prepare an emergency flood plan for you and your household
- Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers on display
- Check your insurance policy to see if you are covered for flood damage
- If your area is flood prone, consider alternatives to using carpets as floor covering
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Preparing your property when flooding is imminent:
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If flooding is imminent, and you have time to safely prepare your property:
- Secure hazardous items
- Roll up rugs, move furniture, electrical items, and valuables to a higher level
- Place important personal documents, valuables, and vital medical supplies in a waterproof case in an accessible location
- If you are relocating, take your pets with you if it is safe to do so. If not, provide an sufficient food and water and move them to a safer place
- Monitor Environment Canada forecasts, Trent Severn Waterway Notices, Ministry of Natural Resources and listen to your local radio station.
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Relocating to Safer Ground:
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If rising waters threaten your home and you decide to move to a safer location: tell a family member, Emergency Services, or your neighbors of your plans to move. When relocating please:
- Monitor your local radio station for warnings and advice
- Pack warm clothing, essential medication, valuables and personal papers in waterproof in waterproof bags along with your emergency kit
- Raise furniture, clothing, and valuables onto beds, tables, and into attic space. Place electrical items in the highest places
- Disconnect electrical appliances – don't touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
- Empty freezers, and refrigerators, leaving doors open to avoid damage or loss if they float.
- Turn off power, water, and gas, and take a mobile phone
- Whether your leave or stay, put sand bags in the toilet bowl, and over all laundry/bathroom drain holes to prevent sewage backflow
- Lock your home and take recommended routes for your area
- Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current
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If you have not left by the time floodwaters have arrived on your property:
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- Monitor your local radio station for warnings and advice
- Get to higher ground, if possible
- Switch off electricity and gas supplies to your home
- Prepare to move vehicles, outdoor equipment, garbage, chemical and poisons to higher locations
- Prepare for the well-being of pets
- Raise furniture above likely flood levels
- Check your emergency kit
- Do not allow children to play in or near floodwaters
- Avoid entering floodwaters, and if you must do so, wear solid shoes, and check depth and current with a stick
- Stay away from drains, culverts, and water over knee deep
- Do not use gas or electrical appliances that have been in floodwaters until checked for safety
- Do not eat food that has been in floodwaters
- Boil tap water until supplies have been declared safe
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Flood Ready – Government of Canada
The Government of Canada provides information on how to make your home flood ready, including expert advice, video tips and helpful checklists. Floods are the most frequent natural hazard in Canada.
EXTREME WATER LEVELS - WHAT YOU CAN DO
The County of Haliburton supports the work of the Coalition for Equitable Water Flow (CEWF), a local volunteer organization that works closely with the Trent Severn Waterway (TSW) in representing property owners on the reservoir system.
CEWF has completed two videos and a worksheet geared to help you better understand how the reservoir system works, and better prepare for extreme water levels.
The first video explains the operation of the TSW and the second discusses what you can do to help protect your waterfront. This second video is accompanied by a Worksheet with additional information and helpful links.
To access the videos go to EXTREME WATER LEVELS on the CEWF website here. (or go to CEWF.Ca in your browser)
The CEWF offers a subscription option where property owners can receive e-lerts to important water level news, you can do that on the website, too!
