House icon and water rising

South Nation Conservation 

South Nation Conservation is the region's authority that monitors watershed conditions. Our municipality is in constant contact with SNC during the flood season. Understanding flood messages and preparing your family and property for a flood is the best defence.

211

211 is a helpline (call 2-1-1) and online database of Ontario's community and social services. They will help you find programs and services that exist and explain how to apply.  

What you can do : Before, During and After a Flood

Information below has been copied from the province of Ontario's website. 

Before a flood

Be prepared for an emergency by creating a 72-hour emergency preparedness plan and kit for you and your family.

Inside your home:

  • store any personal belongings in sealed bins
  • move documents and keepsakes out of the basement
  • test sump pumps regularly and install a back-up system (for example, battery back-up or generator)
  • put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors
  • install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home

Outside your home:

  • extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your home to move water away from the building
  • remove debris that could present danger during flood events
  • secure outdoor furniture and items around piers, docks or boathouses
  • regularly maintain water drainage systems, such as weeping tile, culverts and ditches

Helpful links

During a flood

If you are instructed by emergency officials to evacuate, do so immediately. If an evacuation is not in place, consider these safety precautions:

  • avoid travelling on roads that are near any bodies of water
  • don’t drive through, stand or walk in any moving water
  • if you must walk, look for still water and use a stick to check the ground in front of you
  • keep children and pets away from floodwater
  • avoid using the plumbing system if the septic tank or the disposal field is under water.

Helpful links

After a flood

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

  • Don’t use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority.
  • Follow instructions from your local public health unit when it comes to water in and around your home, which could be heavily contaminated.
  • Don’t eat food that’s come in contact with flood waters.
  • Contact your local municipality about debris management programs.
  • Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.
  • If your property has been damaged:

Helpful links