If this year’s spring flood rises in your direction, are you prepared?
While writing this on Wednesday, the current Manitoba government forecast within the Red River Valley warns of a high risk of major flooding, while the Assiniboine and Souris Rivers are forecast with a high risk of moderate flooding.
So, ouch.
How does one prepare for a possible flood? That same Manitoba government website — gov.mb.ca/flooding — has all sorts of helpful information, but for those of you who may not have easy access to the internet, I’ll run through a few of the items in their checklist.
It seems wise to put the 12th item from the list first: check your insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. Excellent suggestion.
And I’m bumping the sixth item up to number 2: Move personal items to upper floors.
David Ganetsky, owner and president of Enviro Doctors, whose services include flood damage restorations, says one of the biggest regrets flood victims experience is not having moved vulnerable family valuables, photos, papers, electronics etc., including furniture, to what they believe to be a flood-free height within their own home, or if needed, elsewhere.
I’m thinking if you’re one of the people whose home is possibly at risk of being flooded over the next few weeks, start on that pre-emptive task now. This weekend. Invite friends over for a "surprise spring party," promising them beer, pizza, and "a very uplifting experience!" Over time, they’ll forget...
The real due diligence has to be done by you folks who may be in the path of surprise overland flooding, anticipating, based on daily scrutiny of reports and current weather, to what degree you may be at risk of being "surprised."
Sounds silly, yes, but during flood reporting, we often see damaged homes with distraught people dismayed at the unexpected damage, but all I’m saying is if you think there’s any risk based on local history of similar potential damage, err on the side of caution and move the most precious possessions while you still can.
There’s just no warning with that kind of flooding, so why not prep for that minuscule chance it might happen. Probably a good general rule for any homes/businesses, is in areas where there’s a precedent, even long before, of flooding, just don’t store irreplaceable stuff in your basement! Period. Common sense rules.
Where the chance of serious flooding exists, they suggest installing a sump pump (certainly if you already have one, make sure it’s plugged in and working properly) making plans for the care or transport of your pets and livestock, packing a 72-hour emergency kit, having necessary phone numbers handy, and in case evacuation is necessary, know where to turn off the furnace, gas, electricity, etc.
If circumstances require, plug basement drains and check sewer backup valves. They also suggest putting weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
I’ve given you about half of their list; it really is worth apprising yourself of all the advice offered, and all the other flood related info as well. There’s lots.
I’ve kept one more helpful recommendation, one generated by yours truly — and invaluable, if you ask me — for last. You potential evacuees. When lining up a place to live temporarily while away from home, choose a relative or friend who has the best cable package, generous food lovers who have a very well-stocked fridge and bar, a hot tub if possible, and who will feel it their duty to keep you entertained and happy while you wait for water levels to drop.
A bonus would be having your own bedroom and ensuite. Sharing a washroom? Just... no. Ewww. Preparation is everything. Good luck.
Comments or feedback, love to hear from you!
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