Melting snow and frozen ground create the perfect conditions for flooding. With mild temperatures and rain in the forecast, have you taken action to prevent damage to your home and property?
Flood Updates
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website
Water Level Maps
Trent-Severn Waterway Water Level Mapping
Reporting:
- To report a life threatening flood emergency, contact 911
- To report flooding, contact Otonabee Conservation's 24 Hour Flood Watch Hotline at 705-745-5791 ext. 228.
- To request an electrical disconnect, contact Hydro One at 1-888-664-9376.
- To arrange for a gas shut-off when gas appliances, metres, etc. are submerged, contact Enbridge Gas at 1-888-447-4911.
Other Resources
| Flooding Mitigation |
To help mitigate flooding, residents are reminded to:
Remember to never use propane or outdoor appliances indoors as there is a rick of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. |
| Sandbagging |
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Sand is available at no cost at the Selwyn Township Public Works Yard located at 1280 Centre Line for the purpose of filling personal sandbags. Sand bags combined with tarps around window wells and doors are effective to keep water from entering a basement. People should not sandbag their property as it can trap water and create a worse flood issue. Bagged top soil is an effective sand bag tool as well. Most times, insurance will not cover damages from overland flooding so it can definitely be in a property owners best interest to invest in certain flood mitigation measures (particularly when flooding is an annual occurrence). The Canadian Armed Forces (specifically 2 Combat Engineer Regiment) have posted a quick video on how to build a proper sandbag wall. |
| Well Water Supply |
| If your water supply is from a private well which has been flooded, do not drink it as it may be contaminated by bacteria or parasites. To treat small quantities of water for drinking water, you may bring the water to a rapid rolling boil and boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, making infant formula and juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables, and brushing teeth. Bottled water can be used as an alternative; or you may treat it with two drops of household bleach per one litre of water, stir well and allow water to stand for 30 minutes before using. After flood water has subsided, have water tested at the Public Health Laboratory. |
| Food Safety |
| Without electrical power, a full upright or chest freezer will keep everything frozen for about two days. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for one day. Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible. Any foods that are thawed should be thrown out, and if in doubt throw it out! Without electrical power, a refrigerator will keep food cool for four to six hours. Adding ice can help keep a refrigerator cool. Dispose of all foods which have been above 4 C (40 F) for more than 2 hours. |
| Sewage Disposal |
| Septic tanks in flooded areas should be used as little as possible until the disposal field has dried, and in certain instances, until the septic tank itself has been checked. Make sure eaves troughs and drainage are directed away from septic systems. |
| Electric Power |
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In any area where immediate flooding is anticipated, it is essential to shut off all electrical power by turning off the main service switch. Do not enter a flooded area unless the electrical supply to that area has been shut off. If there is time, move as much electrical equipment as possible to floors or areas above the anticipated flood level. If the electricity shut off switch is in the flooded area, it should be shut off from outside of the building.
Do not attempt to use or operate any electrical appliances until house wiring and equipment has been inspected and found safe. |
| Natural Gas |
| Enbridge Gas Distribution advises that if gas appliances, meters or regulators are submerged, or if a resident smells natural gas or is aware of damage to natural gas equipment due to flooding debris they should call 1-866-763-5427 and Enbridge will send out a technician to turn off the natural gas supply to the premises. If electrically operated gas appliances, including those with power vents, or any other electrical equipment has been fully or partially submerged in water do not enter the flooded area due to shock hazard. |
| National Resources |
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