BC Gov News

With increased precipitation levels today, many communities are continuing to face flood impacts and while others are beginning to experience it.

Preparing for a potential flood, protecting yourself during a flood and getting your home in order after being impacted by a flood can seem overwhelming.

Flood water may contaminate drinking water supplies, introduce pollutants and debris into your home and lead to malfunction of sewage disposal systems. Protecting yourself and your family from illness is a critical part of getting your life back to normal. Following a substantial flood there may also be damage to roads and utilities in your community. Electricity may be shut off, telephone and internet may not work, and basic services like sewage and water may not be available for some time.

With planning and preparation, British Columbians can help to minimize the impact of any disaster. Here are some resources that can help them prepare:

How to prepare for a flood:
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/emergency/pdf/preparing-for-a-flood.pdf

What to do during the flood:
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/emergency/pdf/what-to-do-during-a-flood.pdf

What to do after the flood:
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/emergency/pdf/what-to-do-after-the-flood.pdf

Sewage Systems and Flooding:
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/emergency/pdf/sewage_systems_and_flooding.pdf

Here are some additional tips and links on sandbagging, creating an emergency kit, alerting sources, and landscaping to manage water run-off:
www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/campaigns/bc-flood-ready.html

Here are the Province’s top public safety messages for journalists reporting on high/fast running rivers that are increasing capacity with recent precipitation levels:

• Flood waters can be unpredictable and can have serious, life safety impacts. Keep children and pets away from waterways during times of increased water elevations and rapid flows.
• If you receive an evacuation order, leave the area immediately. Failing to leave when instructed can endanger both you and the lives of first-responders.
• If ordered to leave, take your emergency kit and lock the door. If there’s time, move essential items off the floor to an elevated location.
• If instructed, turn off utilities at main switches or valves. DO NOT touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
• Stay out of moving water and never walk through it. Even 15.25 centimetres (six inches) of moving water can make you fall and because of dangerous debris beneath the surface or strong currents, it can put you at risk of drowning.
• Do not drive into flooded areas or park along streams, rivers and creeks. Sixty centimetres (two feet) of water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks.
• Avoid river and stream banks. What looks like stable ground can be eroded beneath and give way without warning.

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public
Engagement
250 213-3602