Stay on Alert and Be Safe

• March 8, 2018 at 9:29 am

Several communities across New Brunswick are currently experiencing record-setting flooding, and more rain is in the forecast.

The most important thing for everyone in affected areas to do is to be on alert, check for updates from emergency authorities, and to stay safe.

If you have time, here are few tips to help protect your family and property:

• Create an emergency preparedness plan and kit.
• Move valuable items to upper floors of your home, don’t store them in the basement.
• Put large appliances (like washer and dryer), furnaces, hot water heaters and electrical panels up on wood or cement blocks. If you’re unable to do so, consider anchoring these items and protecting them with a floodwall or shield.
• Anchor fuel tanks to the floor. A fuel tank can tip over or float in a flood, potentially causing fuel to spill or catch fire. Make sure vents and fill-line openings are above flood levels. Contact the propane company to ask about the best storage methods for propane tanks.
• If it looks like water intrusion may occur, shut off the electricity immediately – unless you have a sump pump (you want to keep that working!). Use sand bags or install flood shields or built-up barriers for basement windows and doors.
• Prepare a home inventory of your possessions, to make filing a claim easier in the event of damage or property loss.

If told to evacuate, remember: 

• Leave immediately and follow the recommended evacuation routes (be sure to register with the Red Cross).
• Keep out of any standing water. Hazards from floating debris, sewer contamination, live electrical wires and slippery footing can make wading in flood waters extremely dangerous.
• Never cross floodwaters as water as shallow as 15 cm could sweep you off your feet – climb to higher ground.
• If you come to a flooded area in your vehicle, turn around, head for elevated ground and park there. As little as 60 cm of water can carry a car away.

Clean-up Begins

• May 14, 2018 at 11:17 am

As flood waters begin to recede, roads are re-opening, some families are being told they can return to evacuated homes, and clean-up has begun. If you are returning, please take a cautious approach.

Review the tips and advice on the Government of Canada Get Prepared site to ensure you stay safe.