Be Flood Ready

March 4, 2026

If you are told to evacuate by emergency officials, evacuate immediately.

Floods can happen at any time of year, in both urban and rural areas.

Flash floods can happen suddenly due to heavy rain or fast- melting snow. They can quickly become dangerous.

Knowing about flood risks and how to prepare for them will help keep you safe and minimize damage to your property.

Floods are the costliest natural hazard in terms of property damage, causing:

  • shoreline erosion
  • damage to roads and infrastructure
  • power outages

Make an emergency plan and kit

Prepare for a flood by creating an emergency preparedness plan and kit for you and your household.

You can also get emergency preparedness guides for:

  • people with disabilities
  • children
  • seniors
  • pets

Know where to find local news and emergency information

Find out how your municipality and conservation authority communicate emergency information. This could be through:

  • official websites
  • social media
  • local radio or television stations

During a flood

If you are told to evacuate by emergency officials, evacuate immediately.

Staying in the area during an evacuation order can be dangerous for you, your family and first responders.

If an evacuation order is not in place, consider the following safety precautions.

If you are indoors

  • Make sure necessary personal items (medications and important documents) are secured and easily accessible in case you need to evacuate.
  • Disconnect electrical appliances — do not touch electrical equipment or turn off appliances if they are wet or standing in water.
  • Move small appliances and furniture to upper floors or areas unlikely to be flooded.
  • Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood water.
  • Ensure your cellphone is charged (safely) — it may be your only means of communication during an evacuation.
  • Do not use taps, showers and toilets if your septic tank or the septic tank disposal field is under water.
  • Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent them from spilling.

If you are outdoors

  • If your property is impacted by flooding:
    • leave the area immediately if your electricity is on
    • follow your emergency plan and move to a safe place on higher ground
  • Avoid travelling on roads that are near water, bridges, ravines, embankments, low laying areas and any bodies of water.
  • Do not drive through, stand or walk in any moving water.
  • If you are in your car and it begins to flood, get out of the car immediately and find higher ground.
  • Account for all members of your household, keeping children and pets away from flood water.

After a flood

Before returning home, check with your local municipality for any information from your public health units, utilities and other community officials who are working to keep you and your family safe.

  • Do not enter a building where the walls or floors are visibly buckled.
  • Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority.
  • Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood waters.
  • Contact your local municipality about debris management programs.
  • Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.