Flood Preparedness and Safety

• Ice jams restricting the river’s water flow (e.g. during river freeze up and break up periods)
• Urban flooding where rainfall amounts exceed storm drainage capacity (e.g. sudden downpours)
• Snow and ice melt runoff (e.g. rapid spring thaw over frozen or paved ground)
• Water main breaks whereby a water line is damaged releasing large volumes of water (e.g. extreme cold wave causing increased pressure on underground water lines)
• Dam break or breaches (e.g. water overflows upstream dam)

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) monitors weather information, river flows, snowpack and ice conditions to predict when floods may occur and how high the water may rise. Using a series of river and rain gauges in the watershed, the GRCA can provide information on current conditions and inform residents and authorities when flooding may occur.

River Condition and Flood Messages

When river conditions are hazardous the GRCA will issue messaging to municipal officials and the media. This includes when flooding from the river is possible or about to occur.

There are four types of messages the GRCA will issue:

• Watershed Conditions Statement- Water Safety:
  This message is issue when river conditions such as high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors have made the watercourse dangerous for users.
• Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook:
  This message provides early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt or conditions that could cause an ice jam.
• Flood Watch: 
  Flooding is possible in specific areas. Municipalities, municipal services and landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
• Flood Warning:
  Flooding is occurring or is about to occur. Municipalities should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.

Flood Warning Zones have been established for the Grand River watershed based on its flow rates and topography. Flow rates are measured in cubic metres per second (m3/s) and are as follows for the City of Brantford:

• Warning Zone 1: 250-450m3/s
• Warning Zone 2: 450-600m3/s
• Warning Zone 3: 600-1,100m3/s
• Warning Zone 4: 1,100-1,800m3/s
• Warning Zone 5: 1,800-2,500m3/s

Be Prepared at Warning Zone 5
Depending on the speed in which the flow rates are increasing or as otherwise directed by officials, Warning Zone 5 may serve as a notice for most of those within the flood plain to prepare for a potential evacuation as Brantford’s dike has a capacity of approximately 3,000m3/s. Additionally, officials may advise persons who are medically fragile or have mobility issues to take this time to evacuate. Should the situation become more imminent where the dike is closer to being breached or has been breached, officials will direct residents within flood prone and flooded areas evacuate.

Keep in mind that the warning zone system does not consider ice jams, which can form rapidly and cause flooding regardless of water flow levels.

The City is offering a mapping tool that residents can use to determine if their property is in a floodplain. To find out if your property is vulnerable to river flooding, please access the City of Brantford’s Mapping System. Flood Warning Zones, as shown on the City of Brantford’s Mapping System, currently apply only within the City of Brantford municipal boundary. Future updates to this tool will expand these zones to include areas in neighbouring municipalities.

To use the mapping tool,

1. Simply enter your address in the search bar to search for your home, business, or any location in the city
2. Click on the GRCA Flood Zones layer under the Layer List button in the top right and review the flood zones to note if your location falls within a designated flood zone.
3. Use the tool to assess your risk and take proactive steps to protect your property.

• Make an emergency plan and build an emergency kit.
• Establish a network of support including family, friends and neighbours.
• Consult your electricity and natural gas supplier for instructions on how to safely shut down and protect appliances, furnaces and other equipment including the steps that need to be taken before, during and after a flood.
• Have your mobile phones and mobile technology charged.
• Talk to your insurance provider to ensure you have adequate coverage. Keep a detailed list of all property including photographs or videos, in case you have to file a claim.
• If you live in the floodplain sign up to receive flood warnings from the GRCA grandriver.ca/subscribe.
• Have an emergency vehicle kit and a multi-purpose vehicle emergency exit tool that includes a seatbelt cutter, flashlight and window-breaker.
• Prepare and protect your property from flood damage: 
  
  Inside your home
• Use water-resistant building materials when building or renovating below ground level.
• Install check valves/backflow preventers in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home.
• Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
• Install flood shields or barriers for basement windows and doors. Make sure the tops of the shields extend above ground level.
• Raise large appliances, furnaces, hot water heaters, and electrical panels in your basement on wood or cement blocks. If an item can't be raised, consider anchoring it and protecting it with a floodwall or shield.
• Test sump pumps regularly and install a back-up power system (e.g. battery back-up or generator)
• Prevent fuel tanks from tipping and leaking by anchoring them to the floor. Make sure vents and fill-line openings are above flood levels. If you use propane, contact the propane company before making any changes. Avoid storing hazardous chemicals below ground level.
• If a flood warning is in effect, shut off electricity to areas of that are at risk of flooding.
• Move furniture, valuables, important documents and electronics to the place in your property that is least likely to be affected by flooding.
  
  Outside your home 

• Make sure that your lot is properly graded. If possible, build up the ground around your property so that water drains away from basement walls.
• Make sure downspouts extend at least 2 m (6') from your basement wall. Water should drain away from your property and neighbouring properties.
• Check that your roof and eaves are draining properly in heavy rains.
• Regularly maintain other water drainage systems, such as weeping tile, culverts and ditches.
• Check sidewalks, patios, decks, and driveways to make sure they haven't settled over time, causing water to drain toward your property.
• Clear snow away from the building's foundation. If the ground is sloped one inch per foot near the building, moving snow just three to five feet from the building will reduce problems.
• Use a rain barrel to catch water runoff.
• Consider planting a "rain garden" by using landscaping as way to catch and disperse water in the soil near your property. Use native plants and vegetation that will resist soil erosion.

• Evacuate immediately if you are told by authorities to do so.
• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.
• Stay informed of the situation by regularly checking credible media coverage.

If an evacuation is not in place, consider the following: 

• Close all basement windows.
• Turn off your fuse box, furnace and gas valves. However, do NOT attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present. Instead, leave your home immediately and do not return until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
• Disconnect electrical appliances that are NOT wet or in standing water.
• Plug sewer traps if you don’t have check valves/backflow preventers installed.
• Do not stay/reside in the basement.
• If you have a sewage holding tank, septic tank and/or leaching bed that is underwater, avoid using taps, toilets and showers.
• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help. Do not climb into a closed attic to avoid getting trapped by rising floodwater.

• Leave the area immediately if your property is impacted and the electricity is on.

• Do not drive through, stand or walk in any moving water.  If you must walk, use something to check the ground and depth in front of you.

• Avoid travelling over or near watercourses (e.g. bridges, roads and trails near rivers) as well as low laying areas.

• If you are caught in fast-rising waters and your car stalls, leave the vehicle and save yourself and your passengers.  Only stay inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water and get on the roof if water is rising inside the car.

• Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Use caution when re-entering your home. Look for buckled walls or floors which may be an indication that the building may not be structurally sound.
• Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris such a live power lines and sharp objects.
• Be aware of animals that may have entered your house.
• Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
• Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local electrical authority.
• Check with your gas company before relighting any natural gas appliances (e.g. furnaces, water heaters).
• Follow instructions from your local public health unit when it comes to water in and around your home, which could be heavily contaminated.
• Household items that have been flood-damaged must be discarded appropriately. Discard all insulation materials, particleboard furniture, box springs, stuffed toys, pillows, pillows, padding, cushions and furniture coverings that have been exposed to flood water.
• Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood waters.
• Contact your local municipality about debris management programs.
• Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities. If you see a downed powerline, stay back 10 metres or the length of a school bus, and call 911 and Grandbridge Energy to report it.
• Look into any special permits needed if you have to rebuild.
• Take photos and videos of all damage and try to retrieve important bills, receipts, warranties and instruction manuals for your more valuable possessions. This documentation will help for possible insurance claims and in case you are eligible for provincial assistance.