In emergency flood situations, residents near any body of water are advised to be particularly careful around high water.

Here are some tips:

Walking:

• Stay away from floodwaters. If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way - six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off of your feet.
• Never underestimate the swiftness of the water - flooded rivers and streams are unpredictable. Even though the surface water may be smooth, the water is moving very fast.
• If you have to walk in water, wherever possible, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

Driving:

• If you come upon a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way.
• Never stay with your car in a flooded area - if your car stalls, abandon it immediately and get away from the water to safety.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground - most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

Boating:

• Flood time is not a time for play - flooded streams and rivers are not safe for recreational boating.
• Boaters who must be on the water should use caution - be aware that your wake can cause greater flooding issues on land. Be courteous.

Around dams or dikes:

• Do not walk on dams or dikes.
• Stay away from dikes and flood control devices - there is a high potential to be carried away by swift currents.
• Heed warnings around flood-control devices.

Children and pets:

• Do not let children in or near any flood water!
• Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water.
• Never let children play near rivers or storm drains when the water is rising or high - swimming skills have nothing to do with surviving in a flooded river.
• Pets can get into trouble, too - there have been cases of people drowning trying to rescue their pets.
• Keep your family and yourself safe.

To stay up to date on all alerts and public safety notices, visit: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961