The Town reminds residents to take practical steps to strengthen flood preparedness

With springtime rainy season upon us, the Town of Oakville is reminding residents of the importance of flood preparedness and the steps they can take to protect their homes and properties. Flooding can happen at any time, especially during heavy rainstorms, and can damage property, disrupt daily life, and put significant pressure on stormwater infrastructure. As severe weather events become more frequent, staying informed and taking proactive steps can help residents protect their homes and contribute to a safer, more resilient community when issues arise. 

Springtime flood preparedness reminders 

To help reduce flood risks during the rainy season, residents are encouraged to: 

• Subscribe to Conservation Halton and Credit Valley Conservation flood alert messages. 
• Ensure that the catch basins on your street are not blocked. Keep your eavestroughs clear and extend downspouts away from the building to ensure that water flows away. 
• Do not store your important documents in the basement. Keep them at a higher level.  
• Elevate your furnace, water heater, and electric panel if you live in flood-prone area. 
• Install weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors. 
• Consider installing a sump pump and zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains. 
• If you have ditches and culverts along your driveway, keep them free of debris.   
• When a flood is likely in your area, move to higher ground and stay away from streams, drainage channels, creeks, and other areas known to flood suddenly.  
• Keep people and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water and do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water. 
• Set up an Emergency Preparedness kit for your family and pets. If you have to leave your home in case of flood evacuation, follow the advice and directions of local emergency officials. 

Visit the Flooding and Flood Protection pages as well as the Ditches and Driveway Culverts page for more safety tips and information.