Floods

Some waterways in Lambton County are capable of causing “nuisance” flooding under certain conditions.  Such flooding can result in road closures and flooded basements.  There is little threat however of wide-spread flooding which would result in the loss of life in Lambton County.  Restrictions applying to the construction of residences in river valleys and flood prone areas were adopted after Hurricane Hazel hit Ontario in 1954.  The intense rains which accompanied the hurricane caused extensive flood damage and loss of life (1.09 billion dollars damage (in year 2000 dollars) and 81 people killed in the Toronto area).

Restrictions on construction within waterways are now enforced through municipal Zoning By-laws and Conservation Authority Regulations and have reduced the risks to property and human life associated with flooding.  That is not to say however that certain waterways can’t be dangerous during some or all times of the year.  Use common sense around deep or fast flowing water and keep watch over young children. 

You can obtain more information about your watershed from the Ausable-Bayfield Conservation Authority (which covers portions of Lambton Shores and Warwick), the Ministry of Natural Resources (which has jurisdiction over a relatively small area in the south-west portion of Lambton Shores as well as very small portions of Plympton-Wyoming and Warwick Townships along Townsend Line) or the St.Clair Region Conservation Authority (which covers the remainder of the County). 

Floods in Ontario can result from snowmelt, ice jams, heavy spring rains, summer thunderstorms or the remnants of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Types of Flooding

Flooding occurs in known floodplains when there has been steady, intense rainfall over a short period of time.

Flash floods occur within six hours of a rain event, dam or levee failure, or after water held back by an ice or debris jam is released.  In a flash flood situation you may have little to no time to prepare and you may not have much warning that these sudden and dangerous floods are coming.  This is why it is important to prepare now, and know what to do before and after a flood occurs.

When you notice it has been raining hard and/or steadily, be alert to the possibility of flooding.  Use a weather radio, regular radio, or television to listen for emergency information on a local station. 

Know the Difference Between A Heavy Rainfall Warning, Flood Advisory, Flood Warning, and Flood Safety Bulletin

Environment Canada is the official source for weather information and public forecasts.  They are responsible for issuing severe weather watches and warnings in Canada.  Once Environment Canada determines that heavy rain is likely, they will issue a heavy rainfall warning.

• HEAVY RAINFALL WARNING: is issued when heavy or prolonged rainfall is sufficient to cause local/widespread flooding. Expect 50 mm of rain over 12 hours or less, or 80 mm of rain in less than 24 hours.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Conservation Authorities are responsible for forecasting where and when flooding is likely to occur and issue flood bulletins, advisories, and warnings. 

• FLOOD  SAFETY BULLETIN: notifies the public that unsafe lake, river and channel conditions exist.
• FLOOD ADVISORY: notifies the public that the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities.
• FLOOD WARNING: notifies the public that flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Please click on the PDF file below to learn how to prepare for flooding or click here to view Conservation Ontario's Flood Forecast and Warning Brochure.

Flood_pamphlet.pdf

What To Do Before The Flood Occurs

Once a flood advisory has been issued you should:

• Retrieve your 72 Hour Emergency Supplies Kit.  If you do not have an Emergency Supplies Kit you need to prepare one today, in advance of a flooding situation. 
• Listen continuously to a weather radio, or a battery-operated, portable radio for updated emergency information.
• Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities.
• Fill your bathtubs, sinks, and plastic bottles with clean water as flooding can contaminate water sources.
• Bring in outdoor furniture and secure any items that could be swept away or damaged by floodwaters.
• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors in your home, as they are less likely to be damaged.
• If you are asked by authorities, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve.

Remember floods can be unpredictable - be alert to the signs of flooding and be prepared to evacuate with your Emergency Supplies Kit on a moment’s notice

Once a flood warning has been issued you should:

• Retrieve your Emergency Supplies Kit. 
• Listen continuously to a weather radio, or a battery-operated, portable radio for updated emergency information.
• Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities.
• Be alert to the signs of flooding, as a warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
• If you live in a flood-prone area or believe that you are at risk, evacuate immediately and move to higher ground.  Do not worry about personal belongings as they can be replaced – you cannot.
• If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately following the recommended evacuation routes.
• Stay away from valleys and low-lying areas as they can become water-filled quickly.
• If outdoors, move away from dangerous flood waters and climb to high ground and remain there.
• If you come across a flowing stream where the water is above your ankles, stop, turn around, and go another way.  You could be swept off your feet in as little as 15 centimetres (6 inches) of water.  Never walk or drive in swift water. 

What To Do After A Flood

Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede.  Take the following precautions following a flood:

• Seek out medical assistance at the nearest hospital or clinic, if needed.
• Check on elderly neighbours and those with medical conditions that may need assistance.
• Avoid entering any building before local officials have said it is safe to do so.  Buildings may have hidden damage that makes them unsafe (i.e., gas leaks, waterline or electric damage).
• When local authorities allow you to enter your home, be extremely careful.  Avoid electrical shock by wearing rubber boots.
• Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.  If upon entering a building you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, leave the building immediately and call the emergency number for your gas company.  You should locate this information in advance of a flooding situation, and keep it somewhere accessible.
• If the power is on in a flooded area, it needs to be shut off immediately.  Consult with your local electricity utility for assistance.
• Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes, or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority.
• Make sure the building is structurally safe.  Look carefully for buckled walls or floors and watch out for broken glass and debris.
• The water in your home could be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants after a flood.  This is a health hazard.  Listen for instructions from your local public health unit as to what to do.
• Household items that have sustained flood damage will have to be bagged, tagged, and discarded according to local regulations.
• Food items that have come into contact with floodwaters should be disposed of, with the exception of sealed canned goods.  The outside of sealed canned goods must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.

For More Information About Flooding and Your Home Visit: The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.