Now, I'm sitting here listening to the news report on all of the areas surrounding my community and how they have declared local states of emergency in those areas due to rising water. Some low lying areas have already begun to flood, evacuation centres are being set up, and sewers have started backing up. Here's hoping that things don't get much worse than they already are!
Alberta Flooding 2014
Alberta Flood Stats 2013
While on this topic, I thought I would quickly address some of the things you can do to prepare for flooding:
Before a Flood:
- create barriers (sandbags,etc) around your home to keep waters from entering
- check your home's structure for cracks and other areas of water entry and fix them
- be sure that your sump pump is in working order
- listen/watch tv and radio for information regarding potential weather hazards in your area
- prepare a 72 hour kit and have a family meeting where you determine a plan during times of natural disasters ie: where will you go if you need to evacute your home
- Know the difference between Flood Watch and Flood Warning: Watch= Watch out for what the weather could do, look for signs, be prepared! Warning= Dangerous weather is currently threatening the area.
During a Flood:
- be sure that your B.O.B. or 72 hour kit is ready to go if you need to evacuate
- if advised to evacuate, do so asap
- stay out of flooded areas- don't walk or drive through them
- turn off electrical appliances
- if you have time, move your home's valuables to higher levels of your home- photographs, etc
- stay tuned in through tv and radio for updates on the situation
After a Flood:
- listen to radio and tv reports
- be sure the water in your area is safe for drinking
- avoid flood waters
- if you were evacuated, don't return home until you have been cleared to do so, for you own safety
- if your home was affected by the water, make sure to clean and disinfect anything that got wet