Spring Flood Season 2023

The winter of 2022-23 is quickly coming to an end, and the Municipality of Mississippi Mills is working closely with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) to prepare for potential spring flooding.

If you own property or live in a floodplain, here are some steps you can take to prepare your property for a flood:

• Ensure sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve
• Ensure easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
• Ensure downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
• Secure items that might float away as flows increase
• Remove valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
• Keep emergency phone numbers handy
• Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/municipal-services/emergency-preparedness.aspx) 
• Consult your electricity and fuel suppliers (oil, natural gas, propane) for instructions on how to safely shut down and protect furnaces and other equipment, and the steps that need to be taken after a flood before restarting equipment
• Consult your property insurer about steps you should take if your property is flooded
• Plan and practice an evacuation route with your family
• Pack an emergency kit that can be accessed easily and carried quickly in case of evacuation; include any necessary medication, blankets, extra clothing, flashlights, water and non-perishable food

For more resources, visit:

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (watershed conditions): www.mvc.on.ca

Government of Canada’s Get Prepared: www.GetPrepared.ca

Ontario Flood Strategy: https://www.ontario.ca/page/protecting-people-property-ontarios-flooding-strategy 

Municipal 511 for road/bridge closures: www.municipal511.ca/