Storms and flooding

Floods are common in BC and can happen at any time of year. The most severe floods usually occur in spring, early summer, and late fall due to heavy rain and melting snow. Climate change and related extreme weather events, such as rising temperatures, shifting precipitation and snowmelt patterns, and rising sea levels, all increase the risk of floods.

Floods can damage buildings including homes, cause power outages, disrupt transportation and create landslides. Fast-moving flood waters can also be a hazard for people and animals. Flooding can also interfere with health care and emergency management by disrupting and damaging community and health infrastructure. It is important to know if you live in a flood-prone area, and to be prepared for these events.

Flood Preparation

Region residents should prepare for flooding events as they can be unpredictable and vary in severity. Follow these tips to prepare for a flood event:

• Assess how vulnerable your home is to flooding.
• Sign up for weather notifications from Environment and Climate Change Canada (see Weather Alerts below).
• Prepare emergency supply kits for your home, car, and work. You should plan for at least a three-day supply of food and water for each person in the home and have ample supply of any medications that may be needed. 
• Have your IDs including BC Services Card in accessible locations.
• Prepare a grab-and-go bag in the event evacuation is required quickly.
• Keep important papers, documents and files, all in easy-to-access watertight containers.
• Discuss an emergency meeting place, methods of communication, and prepare an emergency contact list.
• Be aware of what is happening in your area; listen to local messaging networks and watch for warning signs of flooding such as increased height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, colour changes in water, or leaning trees.
• Prepare arrangements for your pets and any livestock.
• Check in with potentially vulnerable family, friends, neighbours and others to ensure they are aware of flood threats and are prepared if flooding occurs. At risk populations can include older adults, people living alone, people with pre-existing medical conditions, and people with mental health conditions.

Flood Threat

If you sense your home’s risk of flooding has increased, follow these tips:

• Bring in outdoor furniture; move essential items and any hazardous materials.
• Know how to turn off your main utilities. In certain emergencies, officials will ask that these be turned off for safety reasons. This includes the valve on your gas meter, the main breaker switch on your electrical panel, and any other utilities your home may have. 
• Unplug and relocate electrical items from potential flood paths.
• Do not touch damp walls.
• Have a grab-and-go bag accessible.
• Monitor flood messaging from EmergencyInfoBC and your local government or First Nation (website, social media and radio).
• Prepare for possible evacuation.

Flood Evacuation

If you must evacuate from your location, follows these tips:

• Follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
• Ensure everyone is dressed appropriately in waterproof clothing and footwear.
• As you leave, lock all doors and windows, and ensure gas, electricity and water are all shut off.
• Do not shut off your natural gas when you receive an Evacuation Order. If requested by emergency officials, your natural gas service will be turned off as a precautionary measure. If your gas is shut off at the meter, DON'T try to turn it back on. Only a licensed gas contractor can do that safely.
• If you drive, take extra care and do not drive into flooded areas. Check road conditions prior to leaving.
• Do not walk through moving water. The force of even 15 centimeters (6 inches) of moving water can make anyone fall. If necessary, only walk through still water and watch for tripping hazards.
• In the event of an evacuation, register at your local community reception center if one is available.
• Keep disaster response routes clear.

After a Flood

After a flood, many hazards may still be present. Use extreme caution and follow these tips:

• Only return home when authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
• Hazards may be difficult to spot due to surrounding damage and the emotion of returning home. The BCCDC outlines key hazards and guidance upon re-entering flood zones.
• Listen to local news and media to know if the water supply is safe to drink. Find out more about the drinking water services Vancouver Coastal Health provides.
• Avoid floodwaters (water overflowing as the result of a flood), as this water may be contaminated or electrically charged from downed power lines.
• Only clean your home if safe to do so. After a flood, homes may be contaminated so consider hiring a professional or take clean-up safety precautions. Before you clean-up, contact your insurance provider to discuss any damages.
• If safe to do so, clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Floodwater can contain sewage and harmful chemicals so it is important to clean everything once safe to do so.
• DO NOT turn on electrical or gas switches or wet electrical equipment. Allow a professional to inspect your home and verify it is safe.
• Throw out food contaminated from flood waters or being left in an unplugged fridge. 
• Contact your utility companies to ensure your home is safe and operational.

Windstorms are also expected to remain a feature of the regional climate. These events will continue to create risk for injuries and for electricity distribution systems. Health impacts will be heightened when windstorms occur alongside flooding, extreme heat, or poor air quality.

Power outages can occur due to severe weather events such as ice-, wind- and snow- storms. There are many increased health risks when power outages occur including through impacts on food and drinking water safety, medication safety (NB: refrigeration), risk of carbon monoxide poisoning (e.g. from gas heating), and increased dangers of downed power lines. Region residents are encouraged to have a plan and be prepared for at least 72-hours without power. Learn more tips from PreparedBC.