Flooding General Information

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Do You Live in the Floodplain

A 'floodplain' is: "land adjacent to a watercourse that is susceptible to flooding". A floodplain map delineates the area that can be expected to flood, on average, once every 200 years. This is called the 200-year flood. A 200-year flood can occur at any time in any given year; the indicated flood level may be exceeded; and portions of the floodplain can flood more frequently. Check either our North & South Alouette River Floodplain Map [PDF, 474KB] or our Fraser River Floodplain Map [PDF, 863 KB] to find out whether you live in the floodplain.

Individual Flood Plain Maps

• 128 Avenue Dyke Area 3 [PDF, 1.4MB]
• Albion Dyke Area 3 [PDF, 14.4MB]
• Best Street Unprotected Area 5 [PDF, 1.3MB]
• Hammond Dyke Area 6 [PDF, 12.7MB]
• Haney Bypass - 225 Street Unprotected Area 2 [PDF, 1.3MB]
• Kanaka Way Unprotected Area 2 [PDF, 1.6MB]
• Lougheed Highway and 256 Street Unprotected Area 3 [PDF, 1.3MB]
• River Road and 272 Street Unprotected Area 3 [PDF, 1.3MB]
• Ruskin Unprotected Area 7 [PDF, 7.9MB]

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Weather Cams, Gauges, and Outages

View gauges, photos, statistics on past floods, hydro information,and weather cams:

• Alouette River Gauge
• BC Hydro Power Outages
• Environment Canada
• Web Cam at 104 Avenue
• Web Cam at the Laity Dikes

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How Can I Prepare My Family, Farm or Business?

Residents and businesses must be prepared to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours or more following a major emergency. Get Prepared!

 

Flood Proof Your Home

The Provincial Emergency Program provides information for use by individuals should their home be threatened by a flooding situation. The information provided represents general tips for consideration and is provided to help residents of BC be better prepared to deal with the perils of a flood. The information provided in "Flood Proofing Your Home" and the Farm/Business Preparedness Pamphlet [PDF, 247KB] applies when there is immediate danger of flooding.

 

Flood Threat Precautions

To minimize flood damage to your personal property and the disruption of your day to day life, there are certain precautions which you may take. The Provincial Emergency Program provides general information on Flood Precautions for Home Owners.

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Animal Care

Horse Council of British Columbia has developed a set of guidelines to help horse owners prepare for the worst. In the case of impending floods, horse owners may have advance notice, the steps you've taken ahead of time to protect the safety and well being of your animals can mean the difference between life and death.
Ministry of Agriculture can provide you with daily updates, tip sheets, forecasting, links, contacts and frequently asked questions related tocrop insurance as well as animal health and safety.
SPCA of BC can provide you with emergency shelter options for your small pets or contact your local veterinarian.

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Protect Your Vehicles and Drive Safely

Visit the ICBC website for information on road and weather conditions, how to protect vehicles, driver safety tips during flooding, and what to do in the event you have to make a claim.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice will I have that my area is going to flood? How will I be told?

Weather patterns and forecasts will be the primary indicator of water levels, and the District relies heavily on the Ministry of Environment River Forecast Center for regularly updated flood forecasts.There is no way of knowing when water levels will peak, but river levels will not rise suddenly. The District will continue to monitor water levels constantly and we expect we will have warning of high water flows several days in advance. We will use as many means of communication as we have available including the website, radio, television, telephone and door-to-door.

If I don't have enough sandbags to protect my house, where do I get more?

The province will supply sandbags to local governments once it is clear when and where we will have high water which requires sandbagging. The Provincial Emergency Program gives information on how to lay and prepare sandbags. If you are not able to wait, individuals can purchase sandbags and sand commercially.

Where can I buy Sandbags?

• Haney Builders' Supplies Ltd., 22740 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge Tel: 604-463-6306
• Rona Home & Garden, 21213 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge Tel: 604-466-0004
• Burnaby Bag and Burlap Ltd., 5291 Imperial Street, Burnaby Tel: 604-434-4725

Where can I buy Sand?

• Harvie's Building Supplies Ltd., 23549 Lougheed Hwy., Maple Ridge Tel: 604-467-4474
• Haney Builders' Supplies Ltd., 22740 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge Tel: 604-463-6306
• Meadows Landscape Supply Ltd., 18020 Kennedy Road, Pitt Meadows Tel: 604-465-1311
• Any landscape supply business is likely to sell sand

What should I do to minimize damage to my home during the flood?

Terasen Gas provides information on what to do with your gas appliances before a flood, during evacuation, and after the flood.
B.C. Hydro advises that water and electricity do not mix, if your home floods you must leave immediately.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation advises that after a flood, it's important to restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to your house and belongings. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor, their handy checklist will help you organize the clean up. Immediate action is important. Your house and furnishings are less likely to grow mold if they are dried within 48 hours.

What should I do if my home is flooded and I need to leave?

Flood waters pose a far greater risk to life and injury than most people realize. The Ministry of Environment has some helpful information on Flood Water Hazards - Threat to Life. The Provincial Emergency Program offers these personal safety tips if you need to leave.

Where can I go if I can't stay at my own home or with friends?

Emergency Social Services (ESS) provides short-term assistance to British Columbians who are forced to leave their homes because of fire, floods, earthquakes or other emergencies. This assistance includes food, lodging, clothing, emotional support and family reunification.

Where can I take my pet if I am evacuated? Do they need vaccination papers, food, or bedding?

Pets are not allowed in emergency reception centres. If you live in a low lying area, you should make arrangements with friends or family to care for your pet in case of evacuation. If all else fails, contact the local SPCA at 604-463-9511 or your local veterinarian for more information.

In the event of a flood, how long would it be before the water recedes?

In general, the exact time frame and level of high water is entirely dependent on weather patterns. A rapid heating pattern would result in higher water levels over a shorter duration, and a cooler pattern in lower water levels over a longer duration.

What will happen to the sewer systems if there is a flood?

Fraser Health offers community services that deal with personal and environmental health. They will be monitoring the sewer system along with the District and posting regular updates.

Would my water supply be affected in any way?

Fraser Health offers community services that deal with personal and environmental health. They will be monitoring the quality of the drinking water along with the District and posting regular updates.

My insurance agent says I am not covered against flood damage. Who will pay for the damage to my property?

There is a Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance program designed to help people cope with the cost of necessary repairs in the event of a natural disaster such as a flood.

What do I need to do once I am allowed back home?

Once you've experienced flooding, here's what you can do One Step at a Time... A Guide to Flood Recovery.

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