What can residents do to prepare for a possible flood?
There are a number of steps you can take to prepare for a possible flood, safeguard your family and reduce potential flood damage to property and possessions. First, contact your local government to ensure that you have locally relevant flood information, including how authorities plan to provide provide updates to residents and businesses within the community on the flood risk or emergency plans. Second, if your home or business is in or near the floodplain, prepare in advance to secure your property, make arrangements for a place you and family members can stay, and prepare for a possible evacuation. The Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) offers information to help individuals make personal preparations for a flood or other emergency: www.pep.gov.bc.ca/index.html. Some examples of personal preparedness for an imminent flood event include shutting off water and power supplies; plugging all sewage and drainage connections; elevating electrical appliances, hazardous materials, and house
