In the lead up and during the flooding season the Municipality of Mississippi Mills monitors water levels , has regular Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) meetings and works closely with partners like the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) to be prepared.
In the event of a flood emergency, the MECG works with the MVCA to initiate our Municipal Flood Emergency Plan, ensure the MVCA’s flood forecasting and warning communications are being circulated and share field observations with the MVCA.
In the event of a flood, the municipality will provide sand and sandbags to residents. Sandbags are available at any time of year, but the demand is typically higher in the late winter and spring events. Our sandbag policy can be found on our website by clicking here.
During a flood the municipality is responsible for protecting municipally owned assets only such as municipally-owned buildings, roads, and parks. The municipality will provide sand and sand bags to residents but is unable to help protect privately owned property. The property owner is responsible for placing sandbags on their property. In addition to this responsibility, property owners are also responsible for the pick-up, fill, and proper disposal of sandbags on public property.
Here are some tips to help prepare and protect your property in the event of a flood:
- Ensure sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve
- Ensure easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
- Ensure downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
- Secure items that might float away as flows increase
- Remove valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
- Keep emergency phone numbers handy
- Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (https://www.mississippimills.ca/en/municipal-services/emergency-preparedness.aspx)
- Consult your electricity and fuel suppliers (oil, natural gas, propane) for instructions on how to safely shut down and protect furnaces and other equipment, and the steps that need to be taken after a flood before restarting equipment
- Consult your property insurer about steps you should take if your property is flooded
- Plan and practice an evacuation route with your family
- Pack an emergency kit that can be accessed easily and carried quickly in case of evacuation; include any necessary medication, blankets, extra clothing, flashlights, water and non-perishable food
During a flood season and in the lead up, the MVCA provides routine flood forecasting to our community. A timely warning of upcoming high-water conditions is critical to helping everybody to prepare and be better able to respond. Their flood messages are sent to the media, posted on MVCA’s website and social media channels. The municipality also then shares these messages on our website and social media. Sample forecasting messages are below:
