What can you do during a flood?

COURTNEY McCLURE The Standard

NORTH DURHAM/KAWARTHA LAKES: Did you know there are different types of flooding? There are shoreline, urban, and groundwater floods, to list a few.

Flooding is not an issue which only occurs near lakes and rivers. Urban flooding can be just as dangerous. Stormwater runoff happens in neighbourhoods where there is more water accumulating than the local drainage system can handle, leaving the runoff with nowhere to go. This is how an urban flood occurs.

Residents who live near shorelines may experience flooding during storms. Flooding can happen when the lake reaches higher than normal levels and spills over the shoreline.

Groundwater flooding may also be an issue as North Durham and Kawartha Lakes experience more storms. Heavy rainfall may cause underground water levels to rise, reaching above-ground levels.

According to Durham Region, various factors impact flooding. These factors include climate change, urban growth, and design standards. In our area, we are expected to see an increase in rain during winter and spring, extreme heat (above 30 degrees Celsius), and other issues because of these factors.

Local municipalities are responsible for creating flood relief plans in case of an urban flood.

However, there are some things you can do at home, personally, to make sure you and your family are prepared.

Build an emergency kit and keep it somewhere safe inside your home. Your kit should include a first-aid kit, a radio powered by batteries or a crank, a flashlight and extra batteries, and cash (in coins and bills).

Before a flood happens, it's important to know whether you live in a "high-risk" area and what kind of flooding may affect you.

Floods don't impact everyone "equally," so it's important to consider who you live with. Specific people may be more at risk during a flood, for example, some people over the age of 65, people with health issues or disabilities, and those requiring mobility aids.

Owners are responsible for caring for their pet during any kind of emergency, so emergency pet supplies are important to keep on hand.

Make sure your pet has about three days' worth of food and water. Cleaning supplies and waste bags are also a good idea. Other items to consider may include a leash, halter, muzzle, toys, and any medication your pet may need.

To stay on top of flood warnings, one can sign up to receive messages about floods from their local conservation authority. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on your daily weather forecast and prepare accordingly. In addition, you can check your daily weather and find weather warnings on the Environment Canada website, at weather.gc.ca.

To learn more about caring for your pet during an emergency, please visit ontariospca.ca.

If you are interested, you can view the Region of Durham's floodplain or to learn more about flooding by visiting Durham.ca.

It's also important to check out the website of your conservation authority. The Township of Brock and Uxbridge are under the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, while Scugog and Kawartha Lakes arecovered by the Kawartha Lakes Conservation Authority.