Flood damage is more likely in low-lying areas along rivers or in ravines, also known as flood plains. However, flooding can occur anywhere.

Risk awareness:

• Maintain awareness by monitoring information shared by your local authority.
• Be aware of your area’s flood risk and history.
• Monitor Manitoba River Conditions and Forecasts and Manitoba Flood Information regularly.

Planning and education:

• Consider adding the following items to your Emergency Go Kits and/or Home Emergency Supplies: waterproof containers to protect documents or electronics in your kit, rubber boots for navigating through water, life jackets, and a battery-operated or manual sump pump.
• Develop and practice your family emergency plan.
• Make sure you know your local authority’s evacuation routes and procedures.
• Have a plan for evacuating pets and livestock.

Property protection strategies:

• Make sure your home is protected by flood insurance (usually not included in standard home insurance).
• Install flood barriers or sandbags if you live in a high-risk area.
• Move furniture, electrical appliances, and other important belongings to floors above ground level.
• Use weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
• Make sure your basement has reliable drainage or a working sump pump.

Review the Natural Disaster Preparation Residential Checklist for more tips on how to protect your home.

When a flood is expected, quick and coordinated action is essential to ensure safety. This guide offers clear and concise steps, from staying up to date with weather updates, to securing homes, to helping individuals effectively respond to challenges.

Stay informed:

• Listen to local radio, television, or other official news sources. 
• Pay close attention to updates and warnings from officials.

Be ready to evacuate:

• Be prepared to evacuate at any time. Have your Emergency Go Kits on hand.
• Review your emergency plan with your family.
• Ensure the safety of your pets and any livestock.

Health and Safety:

• Disconnect all electrical appliances.
• Do not touch any wet or submerged electrical equipment.
• Follow specific instructions from local emergency officials.
• Remove toxic substances from the flood area to prevent pollution, such as pesticides and insecticides.
• Avoid driving through floodwaters or underpasses. They may be deeper than they appear.
• Avoid confining farm animals in barns to prevent drowning.

Immediately after a flood, it is critical to take quick and informed action to minimize further risk and move towards recovery.

Stay alert:

• Stay calm and watch for road hazards, such as debris, downed trees, or downed power lines.
• Wait for official authorization before re-entering affected areas.

Property evaluation:

• Work with local authorities and professionals to evaluate the safety of your home.
• Re-enter with caution and be aware of potential hazards, such as holes in the floor, broken glass, and debris.

Health protection:

• Reduce contact with floodwater and wear personal protective equipment.
• Check for local water advisories to make sure you are not drinking contaminated water.
• Keep children and pets away from contaminated areas during cleaning.

Future preparation:

• Replace used items in your Emergency Go Kits and Home Emergency Supplies.
• Set annual reminders to review and update your home emergency plan and emergency kits.

Recovery and financial assistance:

• Check with your insurance provider first. Coverage is widely available.
• Evaluate your property damage carefully. Document damage with photographs.
• Review the Financial Assistance section of this website to see if you are eligible.
• Continue to follow the instructions of local authorities.