OPP flood advisory

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* Preparing for a flood

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - In the spring, the amount of additional precipitation and the timing and rate of the snowmelt both have a significant impact on the flood potential.

Next to the spring thaw, heavy storm rainfall is the most common cause of flooding, especially when the ground is already saturated from previous storms.

The Ontario Provincial Police would like to remind the public how to prepare if there is an immediate danger of flooding with the following safety tips:

- Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve.

- Properly safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment.

- Shut off electricity. It the area around the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on a dry board and shut off the power with a dry wooden stick.

- Try to move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings to floors above ground level.

- Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent pollution.

- Remove toilet bowls and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden stopper.

- Disconnect eavestroughs if they are connected to the house sewer.

During a flood, keep your radio on to find out what areas are affected, as well as what roads are safe, where to go and what to do if the local emergency team asks you to leave your home.

Keep an emergency kit close at hand, in a portable container such as a duffel bag.

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