Flooding

Flooding is Ontario's most costly natural hazard, and it can happen any time of year.

Floods are typically caused by melting snow, ice jams, high lake levels, heavy rains, and thunderstorms and can happen at any time of year and in urban and rural areas. Flash flooding can occur in rainstorms or when a storm drain is plugged, often with little or no warning.

Need help?

If you are facing an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. During a flood, only dial 911 if you feel your safety is at risk.

To report public roadway obstructions, such as a downed tree, water over the road, or debris blocking a roadway, or sewer, water, park, or public facility emergencies, contact ServiceNorfolk during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by calling Call 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0. During non-business hours, call 1-877-298-5888.

To report a downed power line caused by a storm or accident, maintain a distance of 10 metres or more and call 911 and Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.

If you are experiencing a power outage, call Hydro One’s 24/7 province-wide outage hotline at 1-800-434-1235. You can view Hydro One’s live outage map, which includes restoration time information.

Flooding: Before, during, and after

Floodwater can enter your home and pose health or safety risks in several ways. Being prepared and have a plan.

The following information on flood prevention, staying safe during a flood, and recovery after a flood.

Before a flood

Be prepared for an emergency by creating a 72-hour emergency preparedness plan and kit for you and your family.

Inside your home:

Store any personal belongings in sealed bins
Move documents and keepsakes out of the basement
Test sump pumps regularly and install a backup system (for example, battery backup or generator)
Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors
Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home

Outside your home:

Extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your home to move water away from the building
Remove debris that could present danger during flood events
Secure outdoor furniture and items around piers, docks, or boathouses
Regularly maintain water drainage systems, such as weeping tile, culverts, and ditches

During a flood

If emergency officials instruct you to evacuate, do so immediately. If an evacuation is not in place, consider these safety precautions:

avoid travelling on roads that are near any bodies of water
don’t drive through, stand or walk in any moving water
if you must walk, look for still water and use a stick to check the ground in front of you
keep children and pets away from floodwater
avoid using the plumbing system if the septic tank or the disposal field is underwater.

After a flood

Don’t use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes, or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority.
Follow instructions from your local public health unit regarding the water in and around your home, which could be heavily contaminated.
Don’t eat food that’s come in contact with floodwaters.
Contact Norfolk County about debris management.
Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.

Visit the Government of Ontario's website for Information about disaster recovery assistance.

Regional flood information

Norfolk County works with Long Point Region Conservation Authority to warn residents about floods and to help keep people safe when flooding occurs.

Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) staff monitor precipitation, creek flows, weather forecasts, and other prediction models to determine the potential for flooding in the Long Point Region watershed. View LPRCA's current flood status and messages.

Cameras are set up at the following locations to monitor the Lake Erie shoreline:

Flood mapping

A flood map informs a community about the local flood risk. It helps set minimum floodplain standards so that a community builds safely and resiliently. It also helps determine the cost of flood insurance, which helps property owners to protect themselves against flooding financially.

Launch the Norfolk County Flood Mapping tool to determine if your property is vulnerable to flooding. Flood Stage Mapping can be applied through the layers menu.