Flooding is the most costly natural hazard in Ontario and it can happen at any time of year.

Floods are typically caused by melting snow, ice jams, high lake levels, and heavy rains, and thunderstorms. They can happen at any time of year and in urban and rural areas. Flash flooding can occur in rainstorms or when a storm drain is plugged – often with little or no warning.

There are a number of shoreline and low-lying areas in Norfolk County that are at risk of flooding. While there are limits to what can be done to prevent flooding, there are steps that property owners can take to manage the risks that floods pose to people and properties.

Norfolk County works with Long Point Region Conservation Authority to warn residents about floods and to help keep people safe when flooding occurs. The impacted areas are not only at risk from extreme rainfall events but are also vulnerable to high winds and wave action causing erosion and property damage.

To find out if your property is vulnerable to flooding, launch the Norfolk County Flood Mapping tool.


Regional Flood Information

Before, During, and After a Flood

Health Hazards

Contact Information

Regional Flood Information

Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) staff monitor precipitation, creek flows, weather forecasts, and other prediction models to determine the potential for flooding in the Long Point Region watershed.

LPRCA reports on flood status and offers real-time meteorological and water level flood flow data.

To find out if your property is vulnerable to flooding, launch the Norfolk County Flood Mapping tool.

There are cameras set up that monitor various points on the Lake Erie shoreline in Norfolk County. 

Important local information on social media

 

 


Flooding: Before, During, and After

 

Before a Flood

Be prepared for an emergency by creating a 72-hour emergency preparedness plan and kit for you and your family. 

Inside your home:

  • store any personal belongings in sealed bins
  • move documents and keepsakes out of the basement
  • test sump pumps regularly and install a backup system (for example, battery backup or generator)
  • put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors
    install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home

Outside your home:

  • extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your home to move water away from the building
  • remove debris that could present danger during flood events
  • secure outdoor furniture and items around piers, docks, or boathouses
  • regularly maintain water drainage systems, such as weeping tile, culverts, and ditches

 

During a Flood

If you are instructed by emergency officials to evacuate, do so immediately. If an evacuation is not in place, consider these safety precautions:

  • avoid travelling on roads that are near any bodies of water
  • don’t drive through, stand or walk in any moving water
  • if you must walk, look for still water and use a stick to check the ground in front of you
  • keep children and pets away from floodwater
  • avoid using the plumbing system if the septic tank or the disposal field is underwater.

 

After a Flood

  • Don’t use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes, or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority.
  • Follow instructions from your local public health unit when it comes to water in and around your home, which could be heavily contaminated.
  • Don’t eat food that’s come in contact with floodwaters.
  • Contact Norfolk County about debris management. 
  • Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.
  • Information about disaster recovery assistance from the Ontario government

Health Hazards

There are several ways floodwater can enter your home and pose health or safety risks. The following information on flood prevention, staying safe during a flood, and recovery after a flood.

Being prepared and having a plan will help residents deal with the stress and disruption that go along with flooding events.

To help keep you and your family safe in the event of a flood, you need to ensure your food and water are safe. Learn what to do before, during, and after a flood, as well as how to restore your home as soon as possible to protect your health:

If your home has been affected by flooding, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has information to help you clean up, and prevent mould growth.

Keeping Food and Water safe post-flood.

For more information about health hazards caused by flooding, please visit the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit


Contact Information

 

If you are facing an emergency, dial 9-1-1. 9‑1‑1 is for police, fire, or medical emergencies when immediate action is required. During a flood, dial 9-1-1 only if you feel your safety is at risk.

To report a public roadway obstruction (e.g: downed tree, water over the road, or debris blocking a roadway) DURING regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm): 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK Ext 0

To report a public roadway obstruction AFTER regular business hours: 1-877-298-5888

To report a sewer, water, park, or public facility emergency DURING regular business hours: 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK Ext 0

To report a sewer, water, park, or public facility emergency AFTER regular business hours: 1-877-298-5888

If you see a downed power line caused by a storm or accident, maintain a distance of 10 metres or more and report it to both 911 and Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235.

If you are experiencing a power outage, call Hydro One’s 24/7 province-wide outage hotline at 1-800-434-1235. You can view Hydro One’s live outage map which includes restoration time information.


Other Links

Canadian Red Cross First Aid App

Flood Plain Map from Flood Smart Canada

Emergency Management Ontario