Flood Preparedness Essentials

Floods are among the most common and destructive natural disasters in Canada. Whether caused by spring thaws, intense rainfall, or overflowing rivers, floods can occur suddenly and with little warning. The damage they cause can be long-lasting—not just in terms of waterlogged buildings and property loss, but also in the cascading effects they trigger. Power outages, road closures, contaminated water supplies, and limited access to emergency services are all real possibilities during a flood event. And while no one can control the weather, you can control how well you’re prepared.

This guide is here to help you understand the risks of flooding, decide when to evacuate versus shelter in place, and ensure you have the right supplies—many of which you can find directly through Total Prepare, Canada’s trusted emergency supply store.

Flood Emergency Preparedness: What You Need to Know

Understanding the Broader Impact of Floods

While rising water may be the most visible danger during a flood, it’s the chain reaction of secondary problems that often catch people off guard. Floods can disrupt power for hours or even days, meaning no lights, heating, or refrigeration. Water systems may become contaminated, making tap water unsafe to drink. Internet and phone lines may go down, limiting your ability to get real-time updates or reach emergency services. These impacts can escalate quickly, especially in urban areas where infrastructure is already under strain.

Planning ahead is your best defense. Understanding the different ways a flood can affect your household helps you build a more complete emergency plan—and avoid scrambling when every second counts.

Evacuation or Shelter in Place: Knowing What to Do

One of the most critical decisions during a flood is whether to stay where you are or leave for higher ground. In some cases, authorities will issue evacuation orders early, allowing residents to get out safely before roads become impassable. In other situations, especially if flooding is minor or your home is on higher ground, you may be advised to stay put.

If you’re sheltering in place, your priority is to make your home as self-sufficient as possible. That means having enough food, water, sanitation supplies, and backup power options to last at least 72 hours, though five to seven days is a more realistic goal. If evacuation is necessary, you’ll want a go-bag packed with essentials that are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry—everything you need to keep you and your family safe while away from home.

Regardless of which scenario unfolds, it’s crucial to stay connected to local emergency alerts and follow the guidance of first responders. Flood conditions can change rapidly, and evacuation routes that were safe an hour ago might become dangerous by the time you’re on the road.

How Long Should You Be Prepared For?

While the standard advice is to prepare for 72 hours, the reality of modern emergencies—especially those involving infrastructure disruptions—suggests a longer window. Floods can knock out power, block roads, and contaminate water supplies, making it difficult for emergency services or relief efforts to reach your area quickly. Preparing for a full week gives you a much greater margin of safety, especially if you have children, seniors, or pets in your household.

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to build a 5–7 day emergency supply with help from Total Prepare. Whether you're stocking your pantry or building a compact evacuation kit, there are options to suit every home, lifestyle, and budget.

What to Include in Your Flood Emergency Kit

So, what should actually go in your kit? Let’s break it down into key categories and show how you can meet each need with products available from Total Prepare:

Water
Water is the top priority in any emergency. For sheltering in place, store at least 4 litres per person per day, ideally for a full week. Total Prepare carries large-capacity water storage containers, as well as Berkey gravity filters that can purify tap or collected rainwater. If you're evacuating, emergency water pouches and compact filters like the LifeStraw offer lightweight hydration on the go.

Food
Your kit should include non-perishable food that requires little to no cooking. Freeze-dried meals, ration bars, and MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are all great options. Total Prepare’s 72-Hour Food Kits are perfect for go-bags, while long-term buckets work well for home kits. If you have dietary needs or kids, mix and match to keep everyone fed and comfortable.

Sanitation & Hygiene
In flood scenarios, toilets may not work and clean water may be unavailable. Total Prepare’s Toilet-in-a-Box kit provides everything you need to manage waste safely. Add hygiene kits, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and moist towelettes to keep things clean, even without running water.

Tools & Light
You’ll need a flashlight, preferably with extra batteries or solar/crank charging, and a reliable multi-tool for basic tasks and repairs. Add waterproof matches, duct tape, and a whistle to round out your tool kit. Total Prepare’s bug-out tool bundles offer an efficient way to cover these essentials.

Warmth & Shelter
Even in warmer months, damp conditions and power outages can quickly lead to chills. Store thermal blankets, emergency sleeping bags, and rain ponchos to stay warm and dry. For evacuations, compact tents or tarps provide quick shelter in uncertain conditions.

First Aid
Accidents happen, especially during stressful events. Your kit should include a comprehensive first aid kit, personal medications, and basic medical supplies like gauze, gloves, and antiseptics. Total Prepare offers both home-size and compact first aid kits that fit into a go-bag or stay-at-home supply.

Communication & Power
Floods often bring power outages, so having a hand-crank radio or solar-powered emergency radio is a must. Many models also feature built-in flashlights and phone charging ports. Keep a power bank or solar charger in your go-bag as well to keep phones running.

Pets & Personal Items
Don’t forget pets—they need food, water, and shelter too. Total Prepare’s Pet Emergency Kits include everything from collapsible bowls to first aid for animals. For yourself, keep copies of ID, insurance documents, and contact information in a waterproof pouch, along with some cash in small bills.

What to Do During a Flood

Once floodwaters start to rise, your safety—and the safety of your loved ones—comes first. Avoid walking through flooded areas, even shallow ones. It takes as little as six inches of moving water to knock someone off their feet, and floodwaters often hide dangerous debris or uneven ground. Driving is no safer; many vehicles can be swept away in just a foot of water.

If your car stalls in floodwater, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground. And if you're sheltering at home, avoid using any electronics or appliances until your home has been inspected and declared safe. Flooded homes carry a high risk of electrocution and fire if power is restored before damage is assessed.

Where to Get Information in an Emergency

During an emergency, staying informed is just as critical as having the right gear. Local radio stations, municipal websites, and provincial alert systems will issue real-time updates on evacuation orders, road closures, and safety advisories.

We highly recommend downloading the WeatherCAN app from Environment Canada, which offers localized weather alerts, or subscribing to your city's emergency text alert system. You can also access resources like the PreparedBC Flood Guide, which outlines flood risks and preparedness tips for BC residents.

Final Thoughts: Preparation Pays Off

Floods are disruptive, stressful, and sometimes dangerous—but with a bit of planning, you can meet the moment with confidence. Whether you're building a home emergency kit, preparing to evacuate, or just getting started, Total Prepare offers trusted solutions to help Canadians face emergencies of all kinds.

If you’re not sure where to start, reach out. Our team is happy to help you build a custom kit based on your household size, location, and specific risks. Because when the water rises, preparation isn't just helpful—it’s essential.