Get flood ready

Halifax is a wet city and we need to prepare for floods. They can happen anywhere, at any time of year. Protecting yourself, your family, and your community will help prevent the worst impacts of flooding. 

Being flood ready has three phases: before a flood, during a flood and after a flood. 

Before a flood

• Know your risks. Learn more about the causes of flooding and areas in HRM that are more flood prone by using the flood extent maps.
• Sign up for hfxALERT.
• If you are a resident who may require additional support during emergency situations, register for the Voluntary Vulnerable Persons Registry
• Speak with your neighbours. You can make a difference by checking in with your friends, family, and community and having a plan to support each other in an emergency.
• Create an emergency plan. For more information, visit Halifax Emergency Management.
  • You can use the flood extent maps to look at your neighbourhood and identify potential flooding hot spots.
  • Reference the Nova Scotia Emergency Preparedness Guide for Persons with Disabilities and Older Adults to help prepare for disasters and emergencies.
• Build an emergency kit and grab-and-go bag. You need to keep the supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours without power or potable water.
• Find out what kinds of flood damage your home insurance or tenant’s insurance covers. To start, ask “does my insurance cover water, septic or sewer back-ups, flooding from an overland flow of a river, the accumulation of water from a heavy rainfall and extreme storms, and other damage?”
• Complete a home flood protection check-up that identifies actions you can take. These actions include:
  • removing debris from storm drains, ditches, and culverts;
  • disconnect your downspout;
  • cover window wells;
  • keep floor drains clear;
  • store important documents at higher levels;
  • installing backflow preventers; and
  • add backup power to sump pumps.
• If you have a coastal property, use the Property Owner's Coastal Adaptation Tool by CLIMAtlantic.
• Protect your valuables and important documents in waterproof containers and store them in a high location.
• Elevate hazerdous materials.
• Learn more about how nature can help with flooding. Plant a boulevard garden, and learn more about nature based solutions for your home.
• The Nova Scotia provincial government has prepared several resources for property owners and communities along the coast to prepare for coastal flooding, erosion, and rising sea levels. Access two guides for more information: Safeguarding Your Coastal Property: A guide to protecting your property and promoting healthy coastlines in the face of climate change [PDF] and Nature-Based Solutions Guide [PDF]. 

During a flood

• Monitor weather conditions using a trusted source, like Environment and Climate Change Canada. They will issue warnings, watches, and statements.
• Evacuate immediately if you are instructed to.
• Keep your personal items secured in your grab-and-go bag and easily accessible in case you need to evacuate.
• Disconnect electrical equipment.
• Turn around, don’t drown. Never walk, swim or drive through flood water. It only takes a few centimeters of water to knock you down or sweep away your vehicle. Water can be extremely fast moving, can contain debris or be contaminated.
• Avoid crossing bridges or travelling through low lying areas.
• If you need to shelter in place, move to higher ground or a higher floor.
• Stay away from damaged power lines and report issues using 311.
• Check in with your family, neighbours, and friends to ensure they are safe and avoiding flood waters.
• Keep children and pets away from flood water.
• Individuals who encounter or experience flooding should contact 311. Calls will be assessed and re-directed accordingly.

If you are trapped or injured call 911 immediately. Provide 911 operators with as much information as possible on your location.

After a flood

• If you need to evacuate, return home only when you know it is safe to do so or when you are instructed to.
• Limit travel to keep roads available for emergency services. Roads may be washed out or flooded and may require emergency repair.
• Call 311 to report any issues with flooding on land.
• Don’t risk electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment (including appliances, heating, pressure, and sewage systems) that is wet or if you are in standing water. Wait until they have been checked by a qualified electrician.
• Flood waters can be contaminated. Minimize contact and wear protective clothing and gloves when cleaning up.
• Don’t eat food that has come in contact with flood water.
• Your well water may be contaminated with bacteria that can make you sick. Do not use well water for drinking, cooking or washing. View this factsheet for more information.
• Be cautious of mold growth, particularly if you have asthma or other lung conditions or are immunocompromised.

• Contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will want to know a record of damage to your home and belongings and may request photos or video.