How to prepare for a flood

Easy tips on preparing for a flood, securing your home and what to do in case of an evacuation order.

CBC News · Posted: Jun 20, 2012 7:06 PM EDT | Last Updated: June 21, 2012

Know if you live in a flood-risk area.
Prepare emergency kits for your home and car.
Have an emergency plan that every household member knows.
Keep important documents in watertight containers.
Ensure your car has a full tank of gas.
Have a plan in place in case you need to move pets and livestock.
Watch for warning signs: increase in height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, colour changes in water or leaning trees.

Build sandbag dikes — dig a trench one sack deep and two sacks wide, laying sacs in alternating crisscross directions.
Move appliances above anticipated flood level.
Secure and anchor propane tanks.
Stabilize your oil tank and weigh it down with sandbags.
Turn off utilities at main switches or valves and unplug electrical items.
Shut off the gas valve at the meter.
Move pesticides, weed killers, fertilizers and anything else that may contaminate water to a higher level.
Plug all basement sewer connections; plug toilet, sink and shower drains.

Make sure everyone has warm clothing and waterproof outerwear, including footwear.
Make sure everyone has ID, and store personal documents in plastic.
Take a supply of any medications needed.
Bring items needed to care for infants — diapers, bottles food.
Take a battery-powered radio and flashlight.
Check road conditions before leaving and take extra care when driving.
Do not walk through moving water — even moving water less than 15 centimetres deep can make you fall.
Secure your home, ensuring all doors and windows are locked.

Source: Emergency Management B.C.

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