Floods are common in British Columbia and can happen at any time of year. The most severe floods usually occur in spring and early summer due to heavy rain and melting snow. They can also be caused by storm surges, ice jams or damage to structures such as dikes or dams.
Climate change and related extreme weather events have increased the flood risk. Rising temperatures, changing freeze-thaw cycles and rising sea levels can all contribute to flooding.
Floods can damage buildings, cause power outages, disrupt transportation and create landslides. Fast-moving waters can also be a hazard for people and pets.
How to Prepare
Prepare an emergency plan and emergency kit so you can survive on your own for a minimum of 72 hours, and know what to do if you have to evacuate.
If there is a flood warning
Check street catch basins around your property to ensure they not blocked by ice or leaves. Shovel snow away from your home and basement windows.
What to do during a flood
- Monitor trusted sources of information for updates and instructions, including evacuation alerts and orders.
- Avoid small creeks and rivers that can fill up quickly.
- Avoid creek and river banks that can become unstable.
- Never walk or swim through flood water. Just 15 cm of moving water can knock you down.
- If you are evacuated, and you have time to do so, turn off all unnecessary appliances and unplug sensitive electrical equipment.
IMPORTANT: Do not shut off your natural gas if you receive an Evacuation Order. Your natural gas service may be turned off by your provider as a precautionary measure at the request of emergency officials. If your gas is shut off at the meter, DO NOT try to turn it back on. Only a licensed gas contractor can do that safely.
Driving during a flood
Avoid driving if you can. Roads covered with pooled flood waters can be dangerous to drive on. The average vehicle can be swept off the road in 30 cm (1 ft) of moving water.
If you must drive, check DriveBC (@DriveBC on X/Twitter) for highway conditions and road closures first. When driving:
- Go carefully and slowly.
- Stay out of the path of flooded areas.
- Avoid going through floodwater; take an alternative route.
- If your vehicle stalls in floodwater, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
- Follow the directions of emergency officials, including those directing traffic.
What to do after a flood
If you have left your home due to flooding and are looking to re-enter, or if you are sheltering in place but water is in your home, it is important to remember that gas and electrical hazards may still exist long after flood waters recede. Here are some things to consider:
- If water levels were high enough to cover your gas meter or gas appliance, this may have resulted in your pilot light being extinguished.
- Once your natural gas utility has been turned off, a FortisBC technician will need to inspect the meter and regulator before turning the gas back on and relighting any appliances. For relights, call 1-877-711-8877.
- If you smell an odour like rotten eggs or sulphur, it could be a gas leak. Go outside and call the FortisBC Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911 (24 hours) or 911.
- If you still see water in your building, do not attempt to shut off the main power switch. Avoid any electrical lines or basements and other low-lying structures where electricity and water may be present.
- Electrical appliances or systems damaged by flooding can be dangerous if they are re-energized and used without being properly inspected by a licensed contractor. Visit Technical Safety BC to find a licensed contractor in your area.
- Refrigerated or frozen foods may not be safe to consume after a disaster or emergency such as a power outage or flood. Visit CDC Food Safety for information.
Insurance
Contact your insurance representative or company as soon as possible to obtain advice about next steps in clean up and repair. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims service.
- Be as detailed as possible when providing information.
- List all damaged or destroyed items.
- If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties.
- Take photos and/or video of the damage.
- Keep all receipts related to clean up and living expenses if you’ve been displaced.
- Ask your insurance representative about what expenses you may be entitled to and for how long.
If you do not know the name of your insurer or your insurance representative, contact the Consumer Information Centre of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) at 1-844-2ask-IBC. Visit the IBC’s Severe Weather Insurance Help web page for information on what to expect during the insurance claims process.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Stressful events can affect people emotionally and physically. It is important to take good care of yourself and your family in the days and weeks that follow.
You may experience a range of emotions, including sadness, uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. These feelings are normal. They are a natural reaction to stressful events. With support, these feelings will lessen and for most people, completely disappear.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for support. A few resources are included below:
- Virtual low- and no-cost mental health supports are online, including counselling services.
- Kids Help Phone offers 24/7, free e-mental health and wellness support.
- KUU-US Crisis Line provides 24/7 support for Indigenous Elders, adults and youth.