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Floods are common in BC and can happen at any time of year. The most severe floods usually occur in spring and early summer due to heavy rain and melting snow. They can also be caused by storm surges, ice jams or damage to structures like dikes or dams.
In some areas of BC, climate change and related extreme weather events have increased the flood risk. Rising temperatures, changing freeze-thaw cycles and rising sea levels can all contribute to flooding. Review the information below and ensure you are prepared in the event of a flood.
Know if you live in a flood-risk area.
Prepare personal emergency supply kits for your home, car and work.
Plan for at least a three-day (72 hrs) supply of food and water for each family member.
Have a grab-and-go kit ready if you have to leave your home quickly.
Keep important papers collected in a grab-and-go location or scan and email to yourself.
If flooding is likely in your area, listen to local media reports for information.
Watch for warning signs: increased height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, color changes in water or leaning trees.
Consider arrangements for your pets and any livestock.
Check on elderly, disabled and neighbors with a language barrier to ensure that they are aware of the flood threat.
If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture; move essential items and any hazardous materials such as cleaners or pesticides to an upper floor or away from the area.
Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves and unplug electrical items.
For more information on utilities and flooding visit the websites below:
Always follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
Ensure each family member has waterproof clothing and footwear.
Lock all doors and windows and double check to ensure gas, electricity and water are all shut off.
Turn off your gas at the main shut-off valve. Don’t turn it back on yourself. For information on how to turn off your gas meter visit FortisBC. Take extra care while driving - familiar roads may look dramatically different when flooded.
Do not drive into flooded areas. Check the road conditions at Drive BC before you leave.
Do not walk through moving water. Less than 15 centimeters 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.
In the event of an evacuation, make sure you register at the reception centre. For information on your local reception centre, visit your community website.
Keep disaster response routes clear.
Listen for news reports to learn whether the water supply is safe to drink. Fraser Health will release Boil Water Advisories as necessary. Visit Fraser Health for more information
Avoid floodwaters - it may be contaminated or electrically charged from downed power lines.
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
Do not turn on electrical switches or wet electrical equipment unless approved by an electrician.
To avoid a health hazard from eating food contaminated with flood waters, or left in an unplugged fridge - if in doubt, throw it out. Contamination can spoil foods and medicines, making them dangerous to consume.
