What to do before the flood

Stay tuned to the local radio or television station for emergency information.

• Listen for evacuation advice and leave promptly when advised by authorities to do so.
• Be prepared to evacuate. Learn your community's flood evacuation routes and where to find high ground.
• Talk to your household about flooding. Plan a place to meet your household in case you are separated from one another in a disaster and cannot return home.
• Choose a relative or friend that the family may contact to say they are okay.
• If a disaster warning is issued, check with neighbors or coworkers who are disabled. Help whenever possible.
• If you are disabled create a personal support network of family, friends, relatives, neighbors, roommates, and co-workers who could assist you at a moment's notice.
• Help your child memorize important family information. Children should memorize their family name, address, phone number and name of school and or/early, childhood centre or give the young ones a small index card that lists emergency information to give to an adult.
• Assemble a disaster supply kit.
  • Keep a stock of food and extra clean drinking water for at least 2 weeks
  • Bedding, extra clothing, masks and personal hygiene items including soap
• Safeguard personal, financial, insurance, medical and other records. Important documents include:
  • Keep passports, birth certificates, child health cards, deeds, property records and other important papers in a safe place away from your home
  • Current digital photos of loved ones updated every six months, especially for children
  • Medications and written instructions regarding your care
  • Make a record of your personal property including livestock. Take photographs or videotapes of your belongings.
• If you evacuate remember to take: Identity card, birth certificates, passports, child health cards, Driver's License or other identification, bankbook/cards, insurance policies, property inventory and photos, medication.