The City of Montreal advises citizens what to do in case of flooding

The City of Montreal is taking precautionary measures when it comes to flooding.

As the island prepares to be hit with up to 60 mm of rain, city officials are advising residents what to do in case of a flood and the best methods to prevent catastrophe.

Ottawa has already declared a state of emergency as a result of floods and nearly 2,000 homes have been evacuated in Quebec, according to Urgence Quebec.

See also

• Ottawa declares state of emergency due to flooding
• Quebec public security orders immediate evacuation of Chute-Bell dam
• Floods force over 1,200 Quebecers to evacuate their homes on the weekend
• Montreal could be hit with up to 60 mm of rain this weekend

Waterfront areas such as Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Pierrefonds, and Île-Bizard are particularly at risk and the city says its main priority is to protect shoreline residents from the dangers of floods.

Weather officials say the forecasted rain for the weekend and the melting snow could further raise water levels between Gatineau and the island of Montreal.

Crue des eaux – Si vous habitez dans un secteur vulnérable, assurez-vous d’appliquer les mesures de prévention suggérées par la Sécurité civile : https://t.co/tu0F6RcrUW pic.twitter.com/1EaIAyLG2f

— Ville de Montréal (@MTL_Ville) April 25, 2019

Montreal’s flood plan is split up into three parts, before, during, and after and city officials urge citizens to read through the guidelines:

Before

• Be aware of flooding risks in your area
• Establish a family plan
• Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit
• Place documents and other important items in a
  waterproof bin, and store them on an upper floor
• Install a sump pump (or make sure that your existing
  one works well) as well as backflow prevention
  valves in the basement

In case of an imminent flood

• Caulk or block all ground-level windows and doors
• Set up a barrier or install sandbags in strategies locations, in order to prevent water infiltration
• Move your vehicle to a safe place

During a flood

• Leave your home if authorities ask you to do so, or if water levels become worrisome.
• Cut off the main electric switch, while ensuring that your feet are not on a damp surface and that you are not touching any metal objects.
• Close the water main and heating appliances.
• Never cross through flooded areas on foot.
• Never drive through flooded areas.
• Stay tuned as the situation unfolds and follow the instructions given by municipal authorities.

After

• Before you return to your home, make sure you have the authorization of the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal to do so.

The city also recommends what to pack in the event a 72-hour emergency kit is needed. “This kit will enable you to remain in your home while waiting for rescue,” reads the city website.

• Drinking water and fruit juice
• Non-perishable food and drinks (canned foods, energy bars, dried foods)
• Spare, dry clothes
• Warm blankets
• Medication (diapers, formula, bottles, etc.)
• Manual can opener
• Flashlight
• Battery-operated radio
• Cell phone with charger
• Personal care items
• House and car keys
• Credit cards and cash
• A container with important documents (birth certificates, passport, wills, financial papers, insurance policies)

The city also reminds residents that Montreal’s 311 helpline runs toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week.