Emergency Preparedness

• Risks and hazards may be imminent due to natural or manmade causes
• Know the potential risks for your area: severe storms, power outages, earthquakes or floods
• Accidents and hazards including hazardous material spills, explosions, water contamination and train derailments
• Disease and health outbreak risks. For more information on Pandemic Influenza, please visit the following sites: Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit Infectious Diseases/influenza, Health Canada
• For more information on hazards and disasters in Canada, follow these links to the Atlas of Canada, The Canadian Disaster Database, hazards.ca and SOS Canadian Disasters

Creating an Emergency Plan for your household will help your family be prepared for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate with each other in an emergency. To start: identify necessary steps to get prepared:

• Know the potential hazards that may affect your community
• Include information related to special needs you or your family may have (medication, individuals with disabilities, pets, etc.)
• Decide where your household will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighbourhood, such as a library, community centre, or place of worship
• Identify all possible exit routes from your home and neighbourhood
• Designate an out-of-province friend or relative that household members can call if separated during a disaster. If phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make. This contact can help you communicate with others 
• Practice your plan with all household members

• Your emergency kit should have items for your family to remain safe and taken care of for at least three (3) days immediately following an emergency
• Kits can be purchased online or at many local businesses, including from the Red Cross, or make it yourself
• Pack the contents of your kit in a carry-on bag or backpack, something you can carry or transport with ease
• Check your kit twice per year for expiration dates, seasonal supplies, sizing of shoes and clothing packed, batteries that may need to be replaced, etc.
• Store your emergency kit in an easily accessible, easy to reach dry location. Ensure that all members of your household know where your kit is located
• Essentials you may need to include are non-perishable and easy to prepare foods, can opener, bottled water (4 litres per person per day), flashlights, candles and matches/lighter, crank radio, cell phone charger, batteries, blankets, whistle, extra cash and car keys, hand sanitizer, personal identification and important documentation (i.e. financial, mortgage and insurance records)
• Special consideration may be given to babies and small children (diapers, baby food, etc.), medical supplies and equipment, people with disabilities, and your pets
• Extra supplies may be included in the event an evacuation is required. Items may include clothes and shoes/boots, seasonal clothing such as hats and mittens, sleeping bags and blankets, toiletries, and items for entertainment such as playing cards, colour books and crayons, travel games and books
• Print materials like crosswords, word searches and card games are available from Emergency Management Ontario or from the District
• Ideas for Ages 1-6: Sesame Workshop, along with its project partners has created Let's Get Ready! Planning Together for Emergencies with tips, activities, and other easy tools to help the whole family prepare for emergencies - together!
• Ideas for Ages 9-16: The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction has developed Stop Disasters! a simulation for teens to learn about natural hazards and how to reduce their impact.
• The American College of Emergency Physicians has developed the Disaster Hero video game to help kids learn how to prepare for natural disasters and emergencies
• A list of books related to emergency preparedness for kids is available from the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

• The Safely Home® program assists people who suffer from memory loss and helps police in returning them safely to their home. It is a nationwide program developed by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, EMO has launched its emergency preparedness video in American Sign Language (ASL)
• Residents who require power to operate medical equipment should contact their hydro provider and asked to be put on a list for priority restoration of their electricity following an outage. The District provides a service to residents who utilize home dialysis machines. By registering with the District Public Works department you can be provided with advance notice of scheduled service disruptions in your area
• The Canadian Conservation Institute has developed a website to help people protect their family heirlooms. 
• For further emergency planning and preparedness information is available from

Before a Flood:

Prior to the beginning of the snowmelt, consider the following if you believe your property or buildings may be subject to flooding:

• Relocate items of value above the flood level. This may mean items in your basement, garage, shed, yard, boathouse or other structures.
• Check your sump pump to ensure that it is working. Do you need an auxiliary pump to accommodate high water flows?
• Do you have an adequate supply of sand bags and sand to build a dyke around your house? Do you know material suppliers? Have you considered portable or reusable water-inflated dams?
• Locate alternative accommodation in the event that you are forced to leave, such as with friends or family.
• Is your electrical panel above the flood elevation? Know where to shut off main electrical feed to the building to avoid an electrical shock or electrocution. Do not attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present. Water and live electrical wires can be lethal.
• Securely tie off your dock to the land.
• Remove lawnmower, snowmobiles, ATVs, boats, lawn furniture, etc. from flood prone areas.
• Listen to the radio and television in addition to monitoring social media outlets for emergency information. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Towns, Townships or the District of Muskoka may issue high water safety bulletins, flood advisories, flood warnings and emergency statements. Follow directions for your safety.

After a Flood:

Restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to the house and its contents.

Re-entering Your Home:

• If you have been evacuated, do not return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so.
• If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
• Appliances that may have been flooded pose a risk of shock or fire when turned on. Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage system until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician.
• The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.
• Depending on where you live, your municipal or the provincial inspection authority is responsible for the permitting process required before your electric utility can reconnect power to your home.

Water:

• Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. It can cause sickness and infections.
• If you are on a well or river/lake water, your well or source could be contaminated. Contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for information on flushing your well and testing your water.
• Household items that have been flood-damaged will have to be discarded according to local regulations.

Cleanup:

• Maintain good hygiene during flood cleanup. Minimize contact with floodwater or anything that may have been in contact with it. Keep children away from contaminated areas during cleanup operations.
• Recommended flood cleanup equipment:
• Gloves
• Masks and other protective gear
• Pails, mops and squeegees
• Plastic garbage bags
• Unscented detergent
• Large containers for soaking bedding, clothing and linens, and clotheslines to hang them to dry
• Depending on your situation, you may need to rent additional equipment such as extension cords, submersible pumps, wet/dry shop vacuums, a carbon monoxide sensor and dehumidifiers, fans or heaters.
• When using the equipment, keep extension cords out of the water.

You can learn more at getprepared.gc.ca.

Helpful Links:

• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Flood Forecasting and Warning Program
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
• Muskoka Watershed Council - Muskoka River Watershed
• Province of Ontario – Floods & Emergency Preparedness
• District of Muskoka - Emergency Preparedness Webpage
• Government of Canada - Emergency Preparedness Guide
• Muskoka GeoHub - Web Mapping Portal
• 72 Hour Kit - What to put in your kit!

Subscribe to Area Municipality News Feed Pages:

• Town of Bracebridge
• Town of Gravenhurst
• Town of Huntsville
• Township of Georgian Bay
• Township of Lake of Bays
• Township of Muskoka Lakes
• The District of Muskoka

What is a Flood Plain?

A flood plain is a low lying area adjoining a watercourse that is not ordinarily covered by water.

What is Flood Plain Mapping?

Flood plain mapping identifies areas where a potential flood event may take place. These identified areas are referred to as flood plains.

What is a Freshet?

While spring brings the promise of warmer weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions, including heavy rain, severe weather and rapid snow melt that can increase the risk of flooding in flood-prone areas.

This spring thaw, commonly known as the freshet, is a result of snow and ice moving and melting into our lake and river systems, which can last for weeks as the snowpack melts.

Who issues Flood Forecasts and Warnings?

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) issues Flood Forecasts and Warnings in Muskoka.

What do I do if there is a Flood Warning issued?

Flood warnings will come with instructions. The MNRF, DMM and area municipal websites and social-media channels will also provide more information.

Who manages water levels in Muskoka?

Water levels are managed by the MNRF through the Muskoka River Water Management Plan.

Who owns and operates the dams in Muskoka?

Dams in Muskoka are owned and operated by the MNRF or by local power generation companies.

Are dams in the Muskoka River Watershed (MRW) meant to be flood control structures?

No. The dams in the MRW are intended to provide for recreational water use, transportation, and protection of aquatic habitat and fish spawning areas.  For more information about dams contact the MNRF.

What are the next steps in the FPMP?

The District will analyze the results of the data received through the FPMP, and determine the next steps. The District will use the information to assess a number of options that include, but are not limited to; potential localized mitigation strategies, planning implications, emergency plans and evacuation routes, quantify risk to infrastructure, and to look for funds to expand the project or embark on flood mitigation projects.