Flood Preparation

There is a high risk of flooding in Wilmot Township. Floods are typically caused by melting snow, ice jams, heavy spring rains and summer thunderstorms.

High water has always been a part of life in our community. The central part of New Hamburg lies on land that is prone to flooding, also called the floodplain. The Waterloo Regional Police Service, the Township of Wilmot, and the Grand River Conservation Authority work together to warn residents about floods, help residents prepare for flooding, and keep people safe when flooding occurs. View the Preparing for Flooding: A Guide for Residents of New Hamburg brochure for more information.

There are limits to what can be done to prevent flooding. However, there are steps that can be taken to manage the risk that floods pose to people and property.

Flood Preparedness

Prepare Your Property

Contact your insurance provider to understand your policy's water damage coverage.
Install a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains.
Consider having a portable generator and pump available.
Make sure valuables are not stored in your basement or potential flooded areas within your house.
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.
The Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo has created a Home Flood Protection Program to help residents take action to protect their homes and reduce damage in the event of a flood. They have compiled Flood Protection Resources and we urge you to take a few minutes to complete the Home Flood Protection Check-Up.
Learn more about sandbagging:

Prepare Your Family

Subscribe to the GRCA's flood notification system.
Subscribe to receive emergency alerts from AlertWR.
Make an emergency plan and prepare a 72-hour emergency kit for you and your family.

When a Flood is Imminent or Occurring

Monitor local radio, TV and social media for updates.
Monitor the most up-to-date flood messaging from GRCA through:
- GRCA flood messages on Twitter @grca_flood_msg
- GRCA Twitter
- GRCA Facebook page
- GRCA Website - In the News
- Monitor River Data through the GRCA website
Additional public safety information may be available through:
Follow the instructions of emergency response officials, such as police, fire and municipal staff.
Remove valuable items from the basement and lower levels.
If you have a generator and/or portable pump, test them and have fuel on hand.
Make sure your sump pump is working.
Follow the instructions from your utility supplier (gas, electrical, propane, etc.) to safely shut down and protect furnaces and other appliances.
Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
Prepare to evacuate if necessary. Collect necessary items such as cash, medication, important papers, identification and change of clothes. Consider evacuating your residence if streets in your neighbourhood are flooded. Emergency vehicles (ambulance, police cars, etc.) may not be able to get to your home.
Resist the urge to tour flooded areas. You may be putting your own life at risk and could interfere with the work of emergency responders.
Do not let children and pets near floodwaters or riverbanks.
Ensure your pets are not left alone during a flood by taking them to a kennel or leaving them with family and friends. Prepare a pet emergency kit.
If a road is closed, obey the signs and take alternate routes. It is an offense to drive on a closed road and could void your insurance.

After a Flood

Do not return home until authorities advise it is safe.
Report broken utility lines.
Consult your insurer about steps to take if your property is flooded.
If you suspect structural damage, contact the building department at 519-634-8444, extension 9242.
Exercise caution when re-entering your home. 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.
If your main electrical panel was under water, it must be cleaned, dried and tested by a qualified electrician to determine if it is safe. Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by the power company.
If natural gas lines were under water, contact your gas supplier before resuming service. If natural gas appliances were under water have them checked by an approved heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractor.
The water in your home could be contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. Contact the local health unit for instructions. Do not eat food that's come in contact with flood waters.
Ensure proper clean-up of your home and property to protect against long-term mold and seepage.

Other Useful Resources:

Flood Information Submission

Residents impacted by flooding can submit information to the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program. For additional information and/or questions contact the Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Contacts