With a wreckhouse warning, a wind warning and a rainfall warning, all in effect, the weather on the southwest coast of Newfoundland is looking less and less favourable. According to Eddy Sheerr, the area between Burgeo and Channel-Port aux Basques may see upwards of 200 mm of rain by Wednesday evening. This means the chances of flooding are very likely. But, we are here to help you prepare. As property owners, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of water getting inside your home during serve rain or floods.

Before the Flood:

• Inspect drains regularly to ensure proper operation.
• Keep sandbags on hand to help divert unusually high water away from your foundation.
• Learn the flood alert signals of your community and keep updated on the alert level at all times.
• Clean your eaves-trough or gutters. If your gutters are not cleared properly, rainfall will begin to pool in troubled areas.
• Check your sump pump, if you have one, to ensure it is working and give it a quick test.
• Make sure your downspouts are pointing away from your foundation. If water pools against the foundation, it can seep into your basements or cracks in the foundation.
• Clear debris from street grates to ensure no debris is blocking them.
• Store or cover valuable items that you have outside in a safe place.
• Review with family members how to shut off utilities in an emergency.
• Plan a survival kit with important documents, including insurance documents, medications and critical items if you need to leave your home.

During the Flood:

• Listen for alerts via radio, television or text for the latest storm information. Be sure to keep your smartphone charged if you lose power so you can still receive alerts or call for help.
• If advised to evacuate, shut off all utilities and evacuate immediately.
• Move to high ground, avoid rising waters and do not walk or drive through any floodwaters.
• Stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires.

After the Flood:

• Avoid moving water.
• If you had to evacuate, do not return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
• Once allowed back into your home, inspect it for damage. If your property has been damaged, promptly report the loss.
• Do not enter an area that has flooded.
• Throw away all food that has come into contact with floodwaters.

Please stay safe and pay close attention to weather alerts for your area of the province. As always, Munn Insurance will be here for you. Our claims department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-855-726-8627.