Flood Information

MANAGING DURING A FLOOD

The scale and scope of flooding can be challenging for affected families.

Help is available:

Shared Health’s Mental Health and Wellness Resource Finder can help you find supports to manage stress and anxiety.
Health Links-Info Santé can help find resources through local regional health authorities or community mental-health services offices at 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
Manitoba Farm Rural and Northern Support Services offers free, confidential counselling for anyone who lives on a Manitoba farm or in a rural or Northern community. 1-866-367-3276 (1-866-FOR-FARM) (toll-free);
Klinic Community Health Centre offers a 24-hour crisis line 204-786-8686 in Winnipeg or 1-888-322-3019 (toll-free).

Additional resources:

Health and Safety

During a flood:

Turn off basement furnaces and outside gas valves.
Shut off electricity before flooding has reached your area and only if the electrical panel is completely dry. Do NOT attempt if any water is present.
Add two and a half litres of chlorine bleach to basement floodwater every few days.
If you think your drinking water may be contaminated, boil it or use purification tablets BEFORE anyone drinks it. Get more information from the province’s Flood and Well Water Safety flood fact sheet.
Use a battery-powered radio to hear up-to-date flood instructions or a mobile device to follow the Manitoba government flood website.
NEVER try to cross flooded areas on foot or in a vehicle. The water current could be swift and you could be swept away.
Follow instructions from local officials.

Additional resources:

Evacuation

If emergency officials tell you to evacuate, remember to take:

your 72-hour emergency kit
family identification and important legal documents, including home or content insurance documents
contact info for family and friends
essential medicines and personal health items
baby formula and diapers for infants and toddlers
money and credit cards
pet vaccination records, if you are planning to bring your pets to a kennel
a flashlight
battery-powered radio
extra batteries
waterproof outerwear
waterproof shoes
extra clothes
mobile devices and chargers

On your way to safety:

Listen to the radio for the latest information.
Keep all receipts for evacuation-related expenses, including home flood-proofing, hotel bills and meals. These will be needed for an insurance or Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) claim.
Never try to drive on a flooded road.
If your vehicle stalls in rising water, get out immediately and get to higher ground.
Stay out of the way of emergency workers and observe roadblocks.
Always be careful. Flash flooding can happen and you never know what is in or under the water.

Additional resources: