Home Flood Prevention

There are a number of shoreline and low-lying areas in Haldimand County that are at risk of flooding. While there are limits to what can be done to prevent flooding, there are steps that property owners can take to manage the risks that floods pose to people and properties.

Lake Erie Flood Zone Properties

Haldimand County works with three conservation authorities to warn residents about floods and to help keep people safe when flooding occurs. Floods can occur at any time of year. The impacted areas are not only at risk from extreme rainfall events, but are also vulnerable to high winds and wave action causing erosion and property damage.

Grand River Conservation Authority and Long Point Region Conservation Authority share information with Emergency Services as the water levels change and they issue statements accordingly, sharing with the public when necessary.

To find out if your property is vulnerable to flooding, launch the Lake Erie Flood Zone Property Lookup tool.

Look up my property in the Lake Erie Flood Zone Property tool

Environment Canada

Special Weather Statements

A Special Weather Statement means actual or expected weather conditions may cause general inconvenience or concern, but do not pose a serious enough threat to warrant a weather warning. The Special Weather Statement may also be used when conditions show signs of becoming favourable for severe weather when the situation is not definite enough or too far in the future to justify a warning.

Weather warnings

A Warning is issued when heavy or prolonged rainfall is sufficient to cause local or widespread flooding or flash floods. A Rainfall Warning for longer duration rain (50mm or more in 24 hours or less) may often times be preceded by a Special Weather Statement. For Flash Flood type Events (50mm or more in 1 hour or less), Severe Thunderstorm Watches and Warnings will often be issued making special mention of the thunderstorms’ ability to produce short duration, high-intensity rainfall.

Check Environment Canada’s Weather Information site for forecasts, radar, warnings, and links to other weather related information.

Protecting your home during flooding

How to protect your home during flooding:

Ensure you have proper and adequate insurance coverage.
Inspect your home for foundation cracking and settling as it could indicate an area prone to leaking.
Keep items in your basement elevated and not stored directly on the floor.
If you are leaving your home for an extended period, ensure your sump pump is working properly. Before you leave, dump a bucket of water into the sump pit. If the pump doesn’t kick on, call a plumber. You can also install a sump pump that has a battery backup.
Remember to store sentimental items and important documents as high up as you can if you keep them in a basement.
Landscapers can map out your property and plant vegetation that will assist in keeping water away from your house.
Keep a 72-hour emergency kit in an accessible location should you have to vacate your home quickly due to rising waters and/or emergency responder instructions.

What to do after a flood

Do not return home until authorities advise it is safe. Check the Haldimand County website or Twitter/Facebook page for specific instructions and post-flood updates.
Report broken or downed utility lines. If you see a downed power line caused by a storm or flood event, maintain a distance of 10 metres or more and report it to Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.
Consult your insurer about steps to take if your property is flooded.
Exercise caution when re-entering your home. If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
If your main electrical panel was under water, it must be cleaned, dried and tested by a qualified electrician to determine if it is safe. Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by the power company.
If natural gas lines were under water, contact your gas supplier before resuming service. If natural gas appliances were under water, have them checked by an approved heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor.
If your well has been affected by flood waters, it is recommended that you boil your water for at least one minute at a rolling boil, or purchase water from a safe source. Before resuming normal use of the well, have the water tested for possible bacteria and pollutants. Water sample bottles can be picked up at any Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit office and have their well water tested free of charge.