Living on the Lake

If you live ON the lake

• If a major wind storm of a similar magnitude as the one in 1973 occurs, you can gauge the expected flood height by measuring 1.0 meters up from calm water on Lake St. Clair and 1.5 meters up from calm water on Lake Erie. Waves generated from a storm will vary in height depending on wind speed, wind direction and length of storm event.
• Remember that uprushing waves can climb or splash much higher when they break at the shore or against a breakwall.
• Organize your family and prepare an emergency plan. Caution them against the dangers of electrical shorts and gas leaks that may result if your house floods.
• Notify your municipality if you have physically or mentally challenged people in your house who may require assistance if you are forced to evacuate your house.
• Co-ordinate your flood plan with your neighbours.
• Remove all materials that might be picked up by the waves and battered against your house (e.g. fire wood, boats, picnic tables, barbeques, railway ties, etc.).
• If your house is closer than 15 meters (50 feet) from shore and is not adequately protected with a breakwall and/or is low lying, prepare plywood shutters that can be installed quickly to protect the windows and doors of your house. Also, use duct tape to tape the glass to prevent it from shattering and being thrown into the house.
• Move boats and all types of personal water craft to the roadside of your property. If there is the availability of a small craft for evacuation purposes, keep it in a safe but easily accessible location away from standing water and direct wave attack.
• Remove all valuables and furnishings from basements, crawl spaces or from the first floor of your house if your house is low lying or has flooded in the past or is a slab on grade type construction.
• Have your furnace and electrical system inspected by qualified individuals so they can advise you of how to disconnect these services should it become necessary.
• Have your sump pump inspected by a qualified individual to ensure that it is in good operating condition. Give consideration to acquiring a back-up pump (preferable battery operated) as a standby.
• Install yard lights on the lake side of your dwelling to ensure visibility of the lake throughout the night.
• Keep concrete blocks or wood blocks handy if you suspect that you may get some flooding in your first floor or basement of your house. You can use the blocks to raise the furniture off the floor if it becomes necessary.
• Consider storing your jewelry and valuable papers in a safety deposit box. Thieves and looters may try to enter your home if you are forced to evacuate.
• If you have dead or dying trees on the lake side of your house (especially close to you house) have them cut down so they will not fall or be pushed against your house.
• Plan where you might move your cars if necessary to prevent them from flooding. Do not park them where they may interfere with emergency equipment.
• If you have a basement, consider installing a backflow preventer valve on your sewer connections. This valve should be installed downstream of all plumbing connections, floor drains and footing tiles.

If you live INLAND of the lake

• Remember that in the flood of 1973, the flood water extended inland for as much as 3/4 kilometer in some locations. Do not assume that your property will not be affected.
• Organize your family and prepare an emergency plan. Caution them against the dangers of electrical shorts and gas leaks that may result if your house floods.
• Notify your municipality if you have physically or mentally challenged people in your house who may require assistance if you are forced to evacuate your house.
• Co-ordinate your flood plan with your neighbours.
• You should expect that your basement may flood and prepare yourself. The sewers could fill with flood water which could back-up into your basement.
• Consider installing a backflow preventer valve on your sewer connections. It should be installed downstream of all plumbing connections, floor drains and footing tiles.
• Do not attempt to plug-up your floor drains. It is a wasted effort and could cause pressure to build-up under your basement floor slab that could cause structural damage to the basement floor and foundation.
• If you have a sump pump, ensure it is in good operating condition.. If you do not have a sump pump, consider having one installed. A second pump, especially a battery operated pump might prove to te a good investment.
• If you think your property is safe from flooding and if you would like to volunteer your help in the event of a flood, call your municipal office now so your efforts can be co-ordinated with those of other volunteers.