Flood Information

PREPARING FOR A FLOOD

Home and property flooding can happen anywhere in Manitoba. Being prepared will help to reduce potential harm to your family and property.

Your home and property

Install a sump pump.
Plug basement drains and check sewer back-up valves.
If you have your own septic system, remove toilet bowls and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden stopper.
Disconnect eaves troughs if they are connected to the house sewer.
Remove chemical products from the basement and other flood-prone areas to reduce the risk of contamination.
Know where to turn off the furnace, gas, electricity, etc. in case you need to evacuate.
Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
Check your insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Move personal items to upper floors. Make plans for the care or transport of your pets and livestock.
Call local municipal authorities before sandbagging or diking buildings.
Call your Manitoba Agriculture office about relocating farm assets, such as grain, produce and livestock.

Your family

Pack a 72-hour emergency kit so it is ready to go if you have to leave in a hurry or if you get stuck inside a ring dike.
Stock food items that do not require cooking.
Store fresh drinking water either in bottles or by filling bathtubs and sinks that have first been sanitized with bleach.
Ensure you have emergency phone numbers for police, fire, ambulance and hydro.
Stay in touch with your neighbours and your community. Be prepared to offer support to vulnerable people who may not be connected to home-care or other services.
Learn about your municipality’s plans for registering and assisting people who may have to leave their homes during the flood.

Have a health care plan

Keep a two-week supply of prescription medication for yourself and your family members on hand.
Contact your health care provider for advice if you are receiving special medical care like dialysis or cancer treatment.
Identify any medical needs of your children, parents or other dependants and write down the details.
Review your immunization records and know the date of your last tetanus shots.
If you have medical issues, consider moving to an alternative location with friends or family outside of the flood zone.
Pregnant women should contact their doctors or midwives about their prenatal care.
If you use a private well for drinking water, see the Flood and Well-Water

Safety flood fact sheet for details.

Recognize the signs of flood-related anxiety and stress and know that help is available.

Additional resources: