Flood Prevention and Recovery

Flood Guide Part 1: Introduction

Flooding can happen quickly and unexpectedly, but there are steps you can take to reduce its impact on your property, protect your loved ones, and recover efficiently if a flood does occur.

Flood facts

Floods are one of the most common hazards in Canada.
A heavy rainfall can result in flooding, particularly when the ground is still frozen or already saturated from previous storms.
Severe storms can cause flash flooding with little or no advance warning.
All creeks experience flooding at one time or another. The potential for flood damage is high for houses and businesses constructed on low-lying, flood-prone lands.
Over the past 60 years, average temperatures and average rainfalls in Canada have both increased. Together these have led to more extreme weather, such as severe storms and floods.

Navigate the links below to learn more about steps to take before, during, and after a flood:

This guide has been created through a partnership between Wellington County, Dufferin County and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to increase awareness about flooding. This guide provides:

An overview of ways to reduce the impacts of floods to your property before flooding happens
Precautions to take during a flood
Guidance around cleaning up after a flood

If there is a potential for flooding or if a flood occurs, listen regularly to the radio or television or check online for the latest community information.

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Contact information

Dial 911 in case of emergency
Dial 211 anywhere in Ontario with non-emergency questions

What is 211 and 211ontario.ca?

A gateway to community, social, non-clinical health and related government services
Helps navigate the complex network of government services quickly and easily
Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

For more information, go to: