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.


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