Flood prep 101: how to protect your home and belongings

With Kelowna's mayor warningresidents to prepare for potentially dramatic flooding, as heavy rain returns to the Southern Interior, local authorities are urging Okanagan residents to be proactive about protecting their properties.

Adrian Nieoczym, aninformation officer with the Emergency Operations Centre for theRegional District of the Central Okanagan,saidlocal authorities are "doing our best to plan for the worst."

So, what actionscan you take to prepare your home as floodwaters continue to rise?

1. Sandbag, sandbag, sandbag

"The best defence is sandbagging," Nieoczymsaid.

It may seem like a no-brainer, but there's actually a specific technique that will make your makeshift dikeas watertight as possible.

Emergency B.C. recommends locating yoursandbag dike on high ground as close as possible to your home. Sacks should behalf-filled with clay, silt or sand, with the unfilled portion overlappingunder the next sack.

Trucks are currently replenishing sand piles and sandbags around Kelowna. For a full list of locations where you can pick up sand and sand bags, click here.

2. Stay informed

Getting the most up to dateinformation as soon as it's made available can help you make key decisions.

"We're asking people to be as proactive as possible. We don't have specific maps, in terms of the areas that could be affected. The reason for that is, this is a one-in-200 year event. We're not really sure where could be affected," saidNieoczym.

He recommends signing up for alerts on the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations siteto have the latest updates sent directly to your phone.

Real time streamflow data can also be viewed onthe River Forecast Centre's website.

3. Keep anemergency kit on hand

An emergency flood kit can play a key role in keeping you safe.

Pack items like a First Aid kit, a three day supply of non-perishable food and water, a battery-powered flashlight and radio,and cash.

Keep appropriate footwear and outdoor wear on hand in case you need to leave your home suddenly.

4. Prep your home

Actions as small as moving your valuables to high shelves or a second floor can make a huge difference in the aftermath of a flood.

Raising your fridge and appliances onto platforms, moving a hot water tank upstairs and anchoring fuel sources can also prevent serious damage.

When you have more time to plan, sealing cracks in the foundation and around doors and windowsand installing backflow valves on drains can also help flood-proof your home.

5. After the flood

Once water levels start to recede, it's still important to remaincautious when moving around.

Be aware that floodwaters can erode roads, making them less stableand never drive through areas that are still flooded.

Emergency B.C. also recommends avoiding standingin water, as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

Take photos of anydamage to your property, so you're prepared when you speak to your insurance agent.

For more information on preparing for a flood, consultB.C.'s Flood Preparation Guide.