Flood kits and evacuation plan: be ready when waters rise
To prepare for floods in Canada, assemble a flood kit with at least three days of supplies, including non-perishable food, water, and waterproof containers to keep items dry[1]. Store four litres of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, with extra for pets and hot weather[2] [3]. Floodwaters are dangerous; just 15 cm (6 in) of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and 60 cm (2 ft) can sweep away a car, so never walk or drive through floodwaters. Monitor weather alerts, plan evacuation routes to higher ground, and evacuate early when authorities issue orders. Include waterproof clothing, lighting, communication tools, and pet supplies in your kit.
Who should prepare for floods in Canada and when do they occur?
This guide is for families and individuals across Canada, from those living along rivers and lakes to urban residents who may experience sudden flash floods or sewer overflows. Floods can occur year‑round—spring melt in the Prairies, tropical storms on Atlantic coasts, heavy rainfall on the West Coast and ice jams in northern communities. Preparing a flood kit and evacuation plan is crucial for anyone living in flood‑prone areas or near ageing drainage infrastructure. Households in remote communities should plan for extended isolation and pack additional supplies.
What are the risks and realities of flooding?
During a flood, roads can wash out, bridges may close and emergency services may be overwhelmed. Floodwaters often contain debris, sewage and contaminants that can harm you and your family. It only takes 15 cm (6 in) of fast‑moving water to knock an adult off their feet and 60 cm (2 ft) to sweep away a car. Never wade or drive through floodwater. Flood kits are not luxury items; they ensure you have water, food and communications when utility services fail. Preparing early reduces panic and allows for faster, safer evacuation.
What should I do today to prepare for a flood?
- Start a flood kit inventory. Review the basic emergency kit checklist from the BC government, which includes non‑perishable food for three to seven days, four litres of water per person per day, a battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio and flashlight, extra batteries, first‑aid kit, copies of important documents and cash.
- Choose storage containers. Acquire waterproof, durable bins or duffel bags to hold your kit. Label containers clearly and store them where you can grab them quickly.
- Draft an evacuation plan. Identify two or more routes to reach higher ground or community shelters. Decide on meeting places outside the flood zone.
What should I do this week to prepare for a flood?
- Purchase emergency supplies. Stock up on canned goods, ready‑to‑eat meals, energy bars and manual can openers. Don’t forget baby formula, pet food, and special dietary items.
- Store water safely. Fill food‑grade water containers or purchase sealed water jugs—four litres per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Include extra water for pets and hot weather.
- Assemble lighting and communication tools. Obtain waterproof flashlights or headlamps, extra batteries and a weather radio for receiving emergency alerts. Include a whistle to signal for help.
- Gather clothing and protection. Pack waterproof boots or hip waders, rain jackets, warm clothing, blankets and personal hygiene items in dry bags.
- Collect important documents. Make photocopies of identification, insurance policies and prescriptions; store them in sealed plastic sleeves or digital cloud.
What should I do this season to prepare for a flood?
- Plan transportation. Ensure your vehicle has a full fuel tank and emergency car kit; store a small waterproof kit in your trunk. If you don’t own a vehicle, arrange alternative transport with neighbours, community services or local agencies.
- Review and update your plan. Practice evacuation drills with your family and adjust your kit based on seasonal needs (e.g., add sunscreen and hats in summer, gloves and thermal blankets in winter).
- Check expiry dates. Rotate food, water and medications annually. Replace batteries and test radios and flashlights at least twice a year.
How do I create a step-by-step flood evacuation plan?
- Build your flood kit. Use waterproof containers or dry bags to store items. Aim for a minimum three‑day supply (ideally one week) of non‑perishable food, water, medicine and pet supplies.
- Include communications and lighting. Pack a battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio and flashlight, extra batteries and a whistle. Consider a solar charger or power bank for phones.
- Add clothing and comfort items. Pack seasonally appropriate clothing, waterproof boots or waders, rain gear, warm blankets, towels and personal hygiene items. Don’t forget spare eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Prepare paperwork. Make copies of your emergency plan, insurance documents, identification and health cards; store them in waterproof sleeves or digital devices.
- Plan evacuation routes. Identify multiple paths to higher ground and avoid low‑lying roads or bridges. Use official maps to locate community shelters and determine alternative routes in case roads are closed.
- Stay informed. Monitor local radio, news and municipal alerts for flood warnings. Sign up for community notification systems where available.
- Evacuate early. When a flood watch becomes a flood warning, load your kit into the vehicle, secure pets and head to your predetermined shelter. Never attempt to cross flooded roads or bridges.
- After the flood, return safely. Wait for authorities to declare it safe before returning home. Wear waterproof boots and gloves; avoid contact with floodwater. Inspect your home for damage and contact your insurance provider.
What are key decision points for different situations?
- Apartment vs. house. Apartment dwellers may need to evacuate via stairwells; keep kits small and portable. Those in houses or mobile homes may need larger kits and sandbags.
- Urban vs. rural. Rural residents may be cut off for days; pack extra food, water and fuel. Urban residents should plan multiple routes to avoid congested roads and consider walking to higher ground if roads are blocked.
- Families with mobility challenges. If someone has limited mobility, identify accessible evacuation routes and arrange assistance with neighbours or emergency services.
- Pet owners. Include pet carriers, food, water and identification tags. Confirm whether your chosen shelter accepts animals; research alternate boarding facilities if not.
What products are recommended for flood preparedness?
What should I look for in waterproof storage containers?
Why it helps: Keeps emergency supplies dry and organised during transport and storage.
What to look for:
- Rugged plastic bins or duffel bags with gasketed lids.
- Handles and wheels for easy transport.
- Stackable design to save space.
Comparison:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Basic watertight plastic tote. |
| Better | Lockable container with reinforced latches and handles. |
| Best | Heavy‑duty wheeled bin with waterproof seal and tie‑down points. |
[Affiliate link: Waterproof storage containers – option A] [Affiliate link: Waterproof storage containers – option B] [Affiliate link: Waterproof storage containers – option C]
What should I look for in waterproof flashlights and radios?
Why it helps: Waterproof or water‑resistant lighting and communication devices continue to work if exposed to rain or splash.
What to look for:
- IPX4 or higher water‑resistance rating[4].
- Combined radio and flashlight units with hand‑crank or solar charging.
- Long battery life and bright lumen output.
Comparison:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Simple waterproof flashlight with AA batteries. |
| Better | Multi‑function hand‑crank radio/flashlight with USB charging port. |
| Best | Waterproof lantern with built‑in power bank, radio and SOS beacon. |
[Affiliate link: Waterproof flashlights and radios – option A] [Affiliate link: Waterproof flashlights and radios – option B] [Affiliate link: Waterproof flashlights and radios – option C]
What should I look for in portable water storage?
Why it helps: Provides safe drinking water when municipal supply is compromised.
What to look for:
- Food‑grade water jugs or bladders with secure lids.
- Collapsible containers for easy storage when empty.
- Spigots or pour spouts for dispensing.
Comparison:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | 4‑L rigid water jugs. |
| Better | Collapsible 10‑L water cube with built‑in spigot. |
| Best | 20‑L heavy‑duty container with carry handles and stackable design. |
[Affiliate link: Portable water storage – option A] [Affiliate link: Portable water storage – option B] [Affiliate link: Portable water storage – option C]
What should I look for in waterproof boots and clothing?
Why it helps: Protects you from contaminated floodwater and keeps you dry during evacuations.
What to look for:
- Rubber boots or hip waders with non‑slip soles.
- Waterproof rain jackets and pants with sealed seams.
- Lightweight materials that allow mobility.
Comparison:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Basic rubber boots and rain jacket. |
| Better | Hip waders with adjustable straps and breathable waterproof jackets. |
| Best | Commercial‑grade chest waders and heavy‑duty waterproof clothing with reflective strips. |
[Affiliate link: Waterproof boots and clothing – option A] [Affiliate link: Waterproof boots and clothing – option B] [Affiliate link: Waterproof boots and clothing – option C]
What should I look for in dry bags?
Why it helps: Keeps clothing, electronics and documents dry during transit.
What to look for:
- Roll‑top closure with waterproof seal.
- Durable, puncture‑resistant materials (PVC or coated nylon).
- Variety of sizes for different items.
Comparison:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Small roll‑top dry bag for documents. |
| Better | Set of dry bags in various sizes with shoulder straps. |
| Best | Heavy‑duty duffel‑style dry bag with backpack straps. |
[Affiliate link: Dry bags – option A] [Affiliate link: Dry bags – option B] [Affiliate link: Dry bags – option C]
What should I look for in emergency food supplies?
Why it helps: Shelf‑stable food ensures nutrition when stores are inaccessible.
What to look for:
- High‑calorie, ready‑to‑eat meals (energy bars, freeze‑dried meals).
- Long shelf life (at least 5 years) and easy preparation (just add water).
- Nutritionally balanced options for children and adults.
Comparison:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Canned goods and meal replacement bars. |
| Better | Freeze‑dried meal packs and MREs with flameless heaters. |
| Best | Comprehensive emergency food kit with balanced meals for several days. |
[Affiliate link: Emergency food supplies – option A] [Affiliate link: Emergency food supplies – option B] [Affiliate link: Emergency food supplies – option C]
What should I look for in evacuation route maps and guides?
Why it helps: Knowing your evacuation routes and alternative paths reduces confusion and delay during an emergency.
What to look for:
- Printed maps of local streets, topography and floodplain areas.
- Guides produced by municipal governments or emergency services.
- Waterproof lamination or protective covers.
Comparison:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Basic printed road map or atlas. |
| Better | Laminated map with marked evacuation routes and shelter locations. |
| Best | Comprehensive emergency planning guide with checklists and map inserts. |
[Affiliate link: Evacuation route maps and guides – option A] [Affiliate link: Evacuation route maps and guides – option B] [Affiliate link: Evacuation route maps and guides – option C]
What should I look for in life jackets and personal flotation devices?
Why it helps: Floodwaters can be fast‑moving and unpredictable; life jackets provide buoyancy and increase survival chances[5] [6].
What to look for:
- Canadian‑approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each family member.
- Correct sizing and weight rating (infant, child, adult).
- Adjustable straps and reflective panels.
Comparison:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Good | Standard foam PFD. |
| Better | Inflatable belt or vest with manual/automatic inflation. |
| Best | High‑visibility vest with integrated harness and whistle. |
[Affiliate link: Life jackets and personal flotation devices – option A] [Affiliate link: Life jackets and personal flotation devices – option B] [Affiliate link: Life jackets and personal flotation devices – option C]
What should be in my flood evacuation kit checklist?
- Three‑ to seven‑day supply of non‑perishable food
- Four litres of water per person per day (additional for pets and hot weather)
- Manual can opener and utensils
- Waterproof flashlights or headlamps with extra batteries
- Battery‑powered or hand‑crank radio
- First‑aid kit and essential medications
- Copies of emergency plan and important documents in waterproof sleeves
- Cash in small bills
- Waterproof boots, rain gear and warm clothing
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Dry bags or waterproof containers for clothing and electronics
- Pet food, water and carriers
- Waterproof matches or lighter
- Whistle and signal mirror
- Portable phone charger or power bank
- Life jackets if there is a possibility of deep water
What are common mistakes and myths about flood preparedness?
- “I’ll have time to pack when the flood comes.” Floods can develop rapidly; having a pre‑packed kit saves precious minutes.
- “My kit from last year is fine.” Supplies expire; rotate food, water and batteries regularly.
- “I can drive through water.” Just 60 cm of water can sweep away a car. Plan routes that avoid flooded roads[7] [8].
- “I’ll drink rainwater or melted snow.” Floodwater may be contaminated; always store treated or bottled water and have a water purification method.
- “Emergency services will bring supplies.” In widespread disasters, help may be delayed. Having your own kit ensures self‑reliance for at least 72 hours[9].
When should I escalate my response during a flood?
- Evacuate immediately when local authorities issue a flood warning or evacuation order; do not wait for water to rise[10] [11].
- Call 911 if someone is injured or trapped by rising water.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a flood to report damages.
- If you live in a high‑risk area and cannot build a kit due to financial constraints, reach out to community organisations or emergency management offices for assistance.
Sources and verification notes
- Red Cross Canada — Get an Emergency Kit - Canadian Red Cross
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)-related Emergencies and Outbreaks — How to Create an Emergency Water Supply | Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)-related Emergencies and Outbreaks | CDC
- Regional Water Providers Consortium — Start with Water | Regional Water Providers Consortium
- IP code - Wikipedia
- Transport Canada — Choosing lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Transport Canada — TP 14070 – Small Commercial Vessel Safety Guide (2010)
- Consumer Reports — The Dangers of Driving on Flooded Streets - Consumer Reports
- The Hidden Dangers of Floodwater: What Every Driver Must Know | AAA Club Alliance
- 1 Person 72 HRS Emergency Preparedness Kit – Complete 3 Day Survival & First Aid Kit | St. John Ambulance Canada
- Red Cross Canada — Floods - Canadian Red Cross
- Alberta.ca — Flood preparedness | Alberta.ca