Flood & Severe Weather Safety and Preparedness

Protect your home, property and family

PreparedBC is a central resource for emergency preparedness information. You can find resources to help you before, during and after a flood or severe weather event.

Flood zones are danger zones

Floodwater and standing waters can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the risks brought by floodwater by visiting the BC Centre for Disease Control and HealthLinkBC.

Never drive through flood waters

  • Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road as the road may have collapsed underneath, can be deeper than it appears and levels can rise very quickly
  • A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
  • Keep clear of eroded banks, as they may result in unstable ground. Most importantly, keep children and pets away from stream banks
  • Learn more from ICBC  and the National Weather Service

Flood warnings/advisories

Visit the BC River Forecast Centre for the latest information.

Flooding terms

  • Flood Warning: River levels have exceeded capacity or will exceed it imminently, and that flooding of area adjacent to affected rivers will result.
  • Flood Watch: River levels are rising and will approach or may exceed capacity. Flooding of areas adjacent to affected rivers may occur.
  • High Streamflow Advisory: River levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly, but no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

Evacuation stages

  • Evacuation Order: You are at risk. Leave the area immediately. Local police or RCMP enforce evacuation orders.
  • Evacuation Alert: Be ready to leave on short notice. If you leave before or during this alert, it’s called a voluntary evacuation.
  • Evacuation Rescind: All if currently safe and you can return home. Stay tuned for other possible evacuation alerts or orders.