What to do to stay dry as snow turns to water
The Red Cross has some tips and resources to ensure you’ll be ready if Mother Nature unleashes a deluge
Between cold nights and days just above zero degrees, Saskatchewan is seeing a slow and steady melt of this winter’s snowpack. Despite the first day of spring being ushered in with snow, warmer weather is just around the corner — and with it, a risk of flooding.
The Canadian Red Cross reminds residents to know their risks and be prepared for them. Here’s what you need to know, from the CRC’s Georgie Schuring:
WARNING VERSUS WATCH
“A flood warning means there’s a flood or a flash flood that’s actually already occurring or just about to occur in your area,” Schuring said.
During a warning, residents should wait to hear from authorities if there is a need to evacuate or if they can shelter in place. A flood watch means flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area. If your area is under flood watch, tune in to your local radio or TV news station to get information about whether the situation is getting worse or better. Flooding can happen after a heavy snowfall followed by warm temperatures or from heavy rainfall.
KNOW YOUR RISK
“Flooding can happen anywhere. You don’t necessarily have to live by a lake or by a river,” Schuring said.
She said it’s really about ground saturation. Once the ground reaches its limit for absorption, that’s when you get flooding.
After recent snowstorms in Saskatchewan, the Water Security Agency is expecting above-average run-off in certain areas. Visit getprepared.ca, download the CRC Be Ready app or visit wsask.ca to learn the risks in your community.
MAKE A PLAN
Schuring said one of the most important things to do to prepare for a flood is to make a plan and involve your whole family.
“We never know when floods are going to hit. Somebody could be at work. Children could be at school,” she said.
Decide in advance where you plan to meet and don’t plan to rely on cellphones when an emergency hits.
“Cellphones are incredibly useful devices,” Schuring said. “But unfortunately, sometimes when disasters happen, that service goes down as well. This is where making the plan beforehand and really talking about it is very valuable.”
PREPARE A KIT
A proper kit should sustain your family for 72 hours, or three days. Each person requires two litres of water a day. Multiply that by the number of people in your family and the number of days you are planning for. Don’t forget to factor in any pets you might have.
“If there’s a flood actually happening, you’re probably not going to have time to run around the house and grab those essential items,” Schuring said. “If you have this in a grab kit to go, it takes the stress out and keeps you safe.”
Visit getprepared.ca for a full list of recommended emergency kit items.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT HOME
If you’re on the road, get to higher ground, park the car, exit the vehicle if it is safe to do so and call for help. If you’re on vacation, get a neighbour or friend to check on your house. Make sure your sump pump is working and seal your doors and windows well.
If you’re returning to your home after a flood, assess the property carefully to make sure there are no dangers in the vicinity. “Make sure those power lines are intact. Make sure gas lines are intact and if they have any fears that those are damaged, leave and call 911,” Schuring said.
If you do experience a basement flood, you can contact the Red Cross for a free cleanup kit.
For more information on ways to prepare for flooding as spring sets in, visit redcross.ca/ready.