Flooding

• Monitor weather and take warnings seriously.
• Have an emergency kit stocked and ready to go.  Be sure to include important documents, cash and medications.
• Move items likely to be impacted by a flood to higher areas where possible.
• Ensure chemicals, cleaners, gas cans, etc. are stored in such a manner as not to contaminate flood water.
• Have extra supplies of water available and food that you can prepare without electricity.
• Maintain your home to keep flood water out.
• Ensure drainage ditches etc. around your home are clear and ready to function during periods of heavy rain.
• Label all shut off valves and indicate the direction to turn the handle in case you need to shut off the gas, water, power etc.  If you must leave your home due to rising flood waters, turn off the power, gas etc.
• Have your vehicle filled up with fuel and ready to go.
• Ensure you have a supply of fuel for generators and pumps.  Store fuel in a manner so as not to contaminate flood water. 

If you are concerned about flooding on your property, please contact the Municipal Office for information on the availability of sandbags.

Sandbagging Instructions 
Video on How to Build a Proper Sandbag Wall

Disposing of Sand and/or Sand Bags from your Property 

Sand and/or sandbags can be returned to the Burgess Public Works Garage and placed in the designated area. Used sandbags are extremely heavy and likely to contain trapped bacteria and sewage matter.  To prevent contact, wear gloves and boots when lifting or moving the bags and protect open wounds/scrapes, face and eyes.  Bags should not be cut open or used for sandboxes, playgrounds, or other areas where direct contact with humans or animals may occur.  Truck beds used to transport contaminated bags should be properly washed and disinfected.  Every precaution should be taken by the property owner to properly dispose of used sandbags.

Any filled sandbags not touched by water can be saved and used for up to six months when stored properly. Sand can be used for construction road work and preparing bases for concrete work.  Sand should not be disposed of in a wetland, waterway, floodplain, or other environmentally sensitive or protected area. 

If you have experienced damage to your home or other essential property, first take any necessary measures to ensure your safety. Once you are safe: 

1. Contact the Public Works Department at 613-267-5353 ext. 132 to report the damage . The province depends on information from municipalities when activating DRAO.
2. Contact your insurance provider to determine your level of coverage.
3. Take photographs to document the damage and keep all receipts.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs administers the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program which helps victims of natural disasters get back on their feet. It offers financial assistance to help cover emergency expenses and costs to repair or replace essential property. 

DRAO may be activated in a community when a sudden and unexpected natural disaster causes costly and widespread damage. The Minister of Municipal Affairs activates the program. 

Wherever the program is activated, individuals, small owner-operated businesses and farms, and not-for-profit organizations within the activation area can apply for assistance. 

DRAO does not cover costs that can or will be paid by other sources, such as insurance. Financial assistance under the program is subject to caps and deductibles. 

For up-to-date program guidelines, forms, eligibility information and frequently asked questions, visit: Ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance.

Flood water is normally contaminated with high levels of bacteria, including pathogenic bacteria from septic tanks and farm fields.  When flood water enters your well, it contaminates your well water supply. Therefore, your water may not be safe and should not be used for drinking, preparing food (including making ice, juice or drinks from frozen concentrate), brushing of teeth, or washing dishes.  In some cases, heavily contaminated water may not be suitable for bathing infants and small children. 

Flood water may also contain various pesticides and chemicals found in garages, households and businesses.  If containers holding these items leak or spill during the flood, they may create hazardous conditions not only in your drinking water, but also in the environment.  If your water supply comes from a well and the power is off, you may not have access to your well water.  If equipment treating your water needs power to operate, the water may not be safe for use during a power outage.  Insufficient quantities of safe water may create challenges for everyday needs including food preparation, hand washing, personal hygiene, diapering small children and caring for pets.  Challenges in performing these day-to-day activities can increase the chances of a member of your household becoming ill. 

• Keep an alternate supply of safe water on hand.  Consider how you use water and the number of people and pets in your household. Be sure to rotate the supply to keep it fresh.
• Boiling your water at a rolling boil for one minute will destroy bacteria in the water, but will not remove harmful chemicals. If pesticides and other chemicals have contaminated the flood water and infiltrated your well, boiling may concentrate these harmful contaminants.  Prepare to have access to a safe alternate source of water.
• After a flood, well water needs to be disinfected by shocking the well with chlorine.  Your health unit can provide disinfection instructions.  The well water must be tested before considered safe to use.  Ensure you collect and submit at least three samples, each taken one week apart for testing in order to confirm that your water supply is stable and bacteriologically safe.  A sample for chemical parameters may need to be taken in addition to the bacteriological sample. 

Floods often result in power outages.  When refrigerators and freezers do not work, food temperatures may rise to levels that support the growth of bacteria.  Prolonged power outages may result in your food becoming unsafe to eat. 

• Discard foods that have been soaked with flood water (even slight contamination should be a concern).
• Discard foods that have not been stored at proper temperatures i.e. perishable foods need to be stored at 4ºC or lower.
• Canned foods can be salvaged if they have not been damaged.  Remove labels and disinfect cans that have come into contact with flood water in a mild bleach and water solution. Only use cans that are water tight. Re-label cans after cleaning.
• Have foods on hand that do not require special storage or preparation and are ready to eat without the need for electricity or water. 

Flood water can conceal many hazardous situations.  Submerged items with sharp edges may not be visible and can cause injury.  Fast moving flood waters pose a drowning risk, even for skilled swimmers due to unexpected currents and submerged hazards.

When the power goes out, other safety hazards may arise.  Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that run on electricity may not function properly.  Fall and trip hazards increase when stairwells are not adequately lit.  If you use candles for back up light, these need to be handled with care so as not to increase the risk of fire. 

• Keep your family safe by keeping them out of the flood water.
• If you use propane or gas powered generators or heaters during a power outage, ensure they are vented to the outside so that no one in your household is overcome by carbon monoxide fumes.
• Flood water entering homes and basements may come into contact with electrical outlets, panel boxes, and various appliances that may have an electrical component.  Water conducts electricity, so do not enter areas where electrical systems have been affected, as there is a risk of being electrocuted.  Always wait for clearance from the electrical authority before entering these areas.
• Building materials, clothing, furniture etc. that have been exposed to flood waters are likely contaminated and can support the growth of mold.  While some items can be salvaged, cleaned and disinfected, others may need to be discarded.  Where possible seek professional advice during clean up.  If you attempt to salvage and clean on your own, make sure you wear protective clothing, a mask and gloves.