Flood Watch In Effect For Muskoka

With heavy snow and rain moving across parts of Ontario, officials are reminding residents of the 705 to be prepared for flooding. The Town of Gravenhurst has released a comprehensive report on what you need to know. Be sure to watch the video featuring Chief Jeff McWilliam of Muskoka Paramedic Services and Emergency Management

Flooding in Ontario is typically caused by:

rapidly melting snow
ice jams
high lake levels or storm surges
heavy rains and thunderstorms

Floods can happen at any time of year, in both urban and rural areas. Flash floods can happen suddenly due to heavy rain or fast- melting snow. They can quickly become dangerous. Knowing about flood risks and how to prepare for them will help keep you safe and minimize damage to your property.

Floods are the costliest natural hazard in terms of property damage, causing:

shoreline erosion
damage to roads and infrastructure
power outages

Flood forecasting and warning program

Visit the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program page to find:

a map of local and provincial flood messages (warnings)
information about the types of flood messages issued by the province, conservation authorities and other agencies
who to contact for more information about local flood messaging and on-the-ground flood response

Help keep catch basins clear

Catch basins, the metal grates found along roads and in neighbourhoods, are a vital part of Muskoka’s flood management system.

They channel excess water to stormwater management ponds, which then flow into local lakes and rivers.

With more than 1,000 catch basins across Muskoka, keeping them clear ensures proper drainage and reduces the risk of pooling water on roads.

What not to put in catch basins

To keep drainage systems working properly, avoid placing the following materials in catch basins:

Chemicals
Construction material
Food
Residential, hazardous and yard wastes

Safe clearing tips

When clearing a catch basin, follow these safety precautions:

Use a long-handled shovel, broom or rake to clear away materials
Stay visible with bright clothing or a safety vest when clearing a catch basin
Be aware of traffic and stay off the travelled portion of the roadway whenever possible
Do not attempt to move or pick up hazardous materials like needles, broken glass, or deceased wildlife

Before a flood

Prepare for a flood by creating an emergency preparedness plan and kit for you and your household.

You can also get emergency preparedness guides for:

people with disabilities
children
seniors
pets

Know where to find local news and emergency information

Local news outlets
Social media

Take steps to prevent flooding in your home

Extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your home to move water away from the building
Shovel snow at least 1 to 1.5 metres away from your home’s foundation
Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors
Keep gutters and nearby storm drains clear of debris
Remove debris from water drainage systems such as weeping tile, culverts and ditches
Install paving surfaces for sidewalks and driveways that allow water to drain through, such as gravel, cobblestones or spaced pavers
Find out if your private well could be impacted by flood water and maintain wellhead protection
Test sump pumps and install a back-up power system such as a battery back-up or generator. Test your back-up system regularly
Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home’s drains
Check your basement for signs of flooding and consider installing a water-sensing alarm system

Sandbag Dikes

Construction of a sandbag dike requires special procedures to achieve maximum strength and effectiveness. Should you choose to construct a sandbag dike to protect your property in the event of a flood, the following tips may be useful.

Strip the sod or ground cover beneath the area for the proposed dike and dig a “bonding trench” one sack in depth and two sacks wide as a foundation for the dike structure. To effectively provide protection from the forces of flooding water a dike must be three times as wide at its base as it is high. A dike intended to be one metre high should have a three metre wide base.

Sandbags should never be filled more than half-full and must be laid in alternating crisscross directions. The base level should be laid parallel to the flow of the water, the second level should be laid perpendicular to the flow, with the third level again laid parallel, continuing to the intended height of the dike. Each successive layer is set back one-half sandbag width on both sides in each additional layer. A side view of a completed dike would show a triangular cross section.

Individual bags need not be tied shut. Overlapping by successive bags will hold the sand in place. The method of keeping bag contents in place is called “lapping.” As individual bags are put in place, each must be tamped firmly to ensure maximum performance and strength in the finished dike.

Take steps to reduce flood damage

Store personal belongings and important documents in watertight containers on upper shelves or upper floors
Securely fix any oil tanks or fuel sources to the floor to prevent movement during floods
Use flood resistant drywall and exterior doors to minimize water damage
Install electrical outlets higher on the walls of your ground floor to avoid water contact
Lift basement appliances off the ground with wood or cement blocks
Make sure basement drains are not blocked
Remove yard clutter that could present danger during flood events
Secure outdoor furniture and items on or around the shoreline

Check if you have overland flood insurance

Overland flooding happens when water from heavy rain or melting snow flows overground and enters your home.

Overland flood insurance can protect you from the costs of flood damage, but it is not automatically included in home insurance policies.

Check with your insurance provider to find out if your home is covered.

Helpful links

During a flood

If you are told to evacuate by emergency officials, evacuate immediately.

Staying in the area during an evacuation order can be dangerous for you, your family and first responders.

If an evacuation order is not in place, consider the following safety precautions.

If you are indoors

Make sure necessary personal items (medications and important documents) are secured and easily accessible in case you need to evacuate
Disconnect electrical appliances — do not touch electrical equipment or turn off appliances if they are wet or standing in water
Move small appliances and furniture to upper floors or areas unlikely to be flooded
Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood water
Ensure your cellphone is charged (safely) — it may be your only means of communication during an evacuation
Do not use taps, showers and toilets if your septic tank or the septic tank disposal field is under water
Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent

If you are outdoors

If your property is impacted by flooding:
leave the area immediately if your electricity is on
follow your emergency plan and move to a safe place on higher ground
Avoid travelling on roads that are near water, bridges, ravines, embankments, low laying areas and any bodies of water
Do not drive through, stand or walk in any moving water
If you are in your car and it begins to flood, get out of the car immediately and find higher ground
Account for all members of your household, keeping children and pets away from flood water

Helpful links

After a flood

Do not enter a building where the walls or floors are visibly buckled
Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority
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 your property has been damaged