Emergency Preparedness Planning Information - Flooding

Evacuation Steps

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If you must evacuate

1. Always follow the instructions of local emergency officials
2. Take your personal emergency grab-and-go kit with you along with important papers/documents
3. Ensure each family member has waterproof clothing and footwear

Prevent electrical accidents

1. Shut off electrical power at the main switch to your house. If the room is already flooded do not attempt to turn off power!
2. For electrical safety information go to BC Hydro or  Terasen Gas
3. Unplug all electrical appliances.

Prevent gas or oil accidents

1. An oil tank will float if it isn’t full. Stabilize your oil tank and weigh it down with sandbags or wedge it against a solid object.
2. Anchor propane tanks. Both full and empty propane tanks will float. Turn off valves and anchor tanks to a solid object with a chain or cable.
3. Get information on how to safely shut off your gas at Terasen Gas

Prevent water contamination

1. Turn off the main water supply to your house.
2. Plug all basement sewage connections. Plug toilet, sink & shower drains with a plug, plastic bag filled with rags, or other device, held in place with a weight or wood brace.
3. Move pesticides, weed killers, fertilizers and anything else that may contaminate water to a higher level.

Take extra precautions if there is time

1. Move all furniture and personal effects that could be damaged by flooding or which could float and cause damage.
2. Disconnect downspouts draining to storm sewers to help relieve the overloaded system.

Secure your home

1. Lock all doors and windows and double-check to ensure gas, electricity and water are shut off.

Traveling

1. Take extra care when driving; familiar roads may look dramatically different when flooded
2. If you are planning to travel, check road conditions at Drive BC.
3. Do not walk through moving water. Less than 15 cm (six inches) of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, go where the water is not moving and watch for tripping hazards
4. Do not drive into flooded areas. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away

For more evacuation information visit the Provincial Emergency Program website

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