Winter Flooding Hazards

Freezing conditions, snow, and melting snow can be very dangerous be sure to do a walk around your property and household to assess any damage or potential damage.  Be aware of current road conditions and listen for local advisories.

Roadways

• Roads may be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water and melting snow. Barricades may be placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, go another way. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
• Listening to the radio for places to avoid.
• If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded:
  • Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.
  • Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris and melting snow may be containing broken bottles, other dangerous objects and it's also slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
  • Avoid contact with melting snow and floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.
• While driving stay aware, look for potholes and damaged roads and maintain control of your vehicle.
• Keep children away from creeks and large drains which can be deadly.
• Don't forget about the dangers for your pets (chemicals, flooding, cold).

Around the House

Look for the following issues:

• Drains: Compacted snow may be blocking drains, clear the drains around your home; including roof gutters, drain inlets, downspouts, pipes and drainage ditches.
• Appliances: If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Also, have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.
• Sparks , broken or frayed wire: Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring.
• Water and sewage system:  If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
  • Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
  • Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
• Hazardous materials: Don't store hazardous materials in areas that may be subject to flooding.
• Household possessions: If you feel your basement may flood, move possessions to higher ground.
  • Savaging Documents, Family Records, Photographs after a Flood http://www.archives.gov/preservation/disaster-response/guidelines.html

Power Lines

The weight of the snow and melting snow may cause power lines to fall or be damaged from falling tree branches. The following are tips from BC Hydro:

• If you see a fallen power line: If you see a fallen power line, please call us with the exact location. Keep back a minimum of 10 metres (33 feet) from the wires or anything in contact with them and warn others of the danger. Always assume that the lines are energized.
• Shuffle or hop, don't step: If your vehicle makes contact with an energized line, remain inside until help arrives. If you must get out due to fire, jump out with your feet together. Then shuffle away, keeping both feet close together. Never contact the ground and your vehicle at the same time. Learn more about the
  • 7 Steps to Electrical Safety   http://www.bchydro.com/safety/workplace_safety/7_steps_to_electrical_safety.html
• Preparing for an outage: It's best to plan ahead so you are ready if an outage should occur. Having a plan can help you deal with an outage and stay safe. These pages have checklists and tips for before, during and after an outage, which you can use to be prepared at home or at work.
  • Prepare for a power outage at home: http://www.bchydro.com/safety/power_outage_safety.html
  • Prepare your business for a power outage: http://www.bchydro.com/news/power_outages/business_outages.html
• Reporting outages: We urge customers to call us, as this helps determine the extent of the outage and helps us ensure that power is restored as quickly as possible. To report an outage or electrical emergency, call 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769 3766), or *HYDRO (*49376) on your cellphone. If you see lines or poles down, or see any sparks, flames or smoke, call emergency services immediately.