Floods are common in BC and can happen at any time of year. The most severe floods usually occur in spring and early summer due to heavy rain and melting snow. They can also be caused by storm surges, ice jams or damage to structures like dikes or dams.
In some areas of BC, climate change and related extreme weather events have increased the flood risk. Rising temperatures, changing freeze-thaw cycles and rising sea levels can all contribute to flooding. Review the information below and ensure you are prepared in the event of a flood.
Freshet
Seasonal weather during the snow melt season is a critical factor in determining the size of freshet, and whether or not flooding will occur. Intense or prolonged rainfall and extreme temperatures are important factors that can lead to larger freshets.
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Each spring the City of Abbotsford monitors the levels of the Fraser River during the annual snowmelt season, known as freshet, to assess the flooding risk along the Matsqui Dikes.
The Matsqui Dikes are designed to prevent water in the Fraser River from entering into Matsqui Prairie; however, residents living in areas along the Matsqui Dikes may experience pooling of water or seepage, due to the pressure difference created by the high water level.
Seasonal weather during the snowmelt season is a critical factor in determining the size of freshet, and whether or not flooding will occur. Intense or prolonged rainfall and extreme temperatures are important factors that can lead to larger freshets. The City of Abbotsford will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates to residents as needed.
Seepage pooling is quite common during freshet. To minimize the seepage pooling and/or a boil on your property, please avoid the following activities from May to September near the dikes:
- the removal of trees or stumps;
- deep cultivation of fields; and
- digging holes with machines.
Further information is available from the following sources:
- View the areas where seepage pools were found during previous freshet seasons, or make an in person appointment at the Engineering Department at City Hall for a hardcopy.
- Visit the Province of BC River Forecast Centre website for more information on the snow survey and freshet season and current levels at the Mission Bridge (Station 08MH024).
- Report water pooling on your property or to get information on the freshet season, contact the City of Abbotsford Diking, Drainage and Irrigation Division at 604-853-5485.
Flood Preparation
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- Know if you live in a flood-risk area.
- Prepare personal emergency supply kits for your home, car and work.
- Plan for at least a three-day (72 hrs) supply of food and water for each family member.
- Have a grab-and-go kit ready if you have to leave your home quickly.
- Keep important papers collected in a grab-and-go location or scan and email to yourself.
- If flooding is likely in your area, listen to local media reports for information.
- Watch for warning signs: increased height and intensity of water flows, mudslides, debris in creeks, color changes in water or leaning trees.
- Consider arrangements for your pets and any livestock.
- Check on elderly, disabled and neighbors with a language barrier to ensure that they are aware of the flood threat.
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- If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture; move essential items and any hazardous materials such as cleaners or pesticides to an upper floor or away from the area.
- Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves and unplug electrical items.
- For more information on utilities and flooding visit the websites below:
- Prepare for the possibility of evacuation.
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- Always follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
- Ensure each family member has waterproof clothing and footwear.
- Lock all doors and windows and double check to ensure gas, electricity and water are all shut off.
- Turn off your gas at the main shut-off valve. Don’t turn it back on yourself. For information on how to turn off your gas meter visit FortisBC. Take extra care while driving - familiar roads may look dramatically different when flooded.
- Do not drive into flooded areas. Check the road conditions at Drive BC before you leave.
- Do not walk through moving water. Less than 15 centimeters of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, go where the water is not moving and watch for tripping hazards.
- In the event of an evacuation, make sure you register at the reception centre. For information on your local reception centre, visit your community website.
- Keep disaster response routes clear.
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- Listen for news reports to learn whether the water supply is safe to drink. Fraser Health will release Boil Water Advisories as necessary. Visit Fraser Health for more information
- Avoid floodwaters - it may be contaminated or electrically charged from downed power lines.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
- Do not turn on electrical switches or wet electrical equipment unless approved by an electrician.
- To avoid a health hazard from eating food contaminated with flood waters, or left in an unplugged fridge - if in doubt, throw it out. Contamination can spoil foods and medicines, making them dangerous to consume.
- Contact your insurance and utility companies.
Flood Recovery Resources
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Recovery Services from Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross is continuing to provide personalized recovery supports for people from eligible households that were impacted by the November 2021 flooding and extreme weather event. The Red Cross will continue to contribute to the cost of temporary, including commercial accommodations for individuals and families impacted by the floods to allow for the time they need to find longer-term housing options that meet their needs
The Red Cross is also providing housing repair and reconstruction support for people whose homes were damaged. Eligible homeowners may receive financial support to help meet their immediate needs, clean up their property and/or assistance with expenses related to repair or rebuilding of their home, or relocation.
The Red Cross encourages you to stay in regular contact with your case manager. If you have immediate needs related to temporary and longer-term housing, please reach out to the Red Cross at 1-800-863-6582 from Monday to Friday (closed weekends and Statutory holidays) between 9am - 4pm to request an appointment with a case manager.
Canadian Red Cross Location
The Canadian Red Cross is providing personalized recovery, accommodation, and repair and reconstruction supports to anyone impacted by the 2021 flooding and extreme weather event. Red Cross will work directly with people to discuss their unique needs and help them navigate their recovery journey and access available supports. To register for personalized recovery supports, contact the Red Cross by:
- Phone: 1-800-863-6582
- Email: bcfloodrecovery@redcross.ca
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I have insurance for my property. What should I do?
- For insurance purposes, it is very important that you document everything you can from the event.
- List and photograph all damaged or destroyed items.
- If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts, and warranties.
- Take photos of the damage.
- Keep all receipts related to clean up and living expenses if you’ve been displaced.
- Ask your insurance representative about what expenses you may be entitled to and for how long.
For more information on insurance, contact your insurance provider or broker directly or contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422 or 1-844-2ask-IBC
I don’t have insurance for my property, what do I do?
- If you don’t have insurance, you may still be eligible to get assistance to help you recover.
- The Provincial and Federal Governments are committed to help affected residents. More information on assistance will be released as it becomes available.
- For information on the eligibility for available Disaster Financial Assistance and steps to apply, visit the Province of BC.
Important Details to Note for Disaster Financial Assistance:
- Homeowners must check with their insurer to see if their policy will cover the damages related to flooding.
- The applicant’s insurer will be asked to provide a letter indicating that the applicant could not have purchased insurance to cover these disaster-related losses
- Residents have 90 days to apply for financial assistance
Which organizations are offering support for flood impacted residents?
Several organizations have stepped up to help residents through these difficult times, these include:
- ServiceBC - 1-833-376-2452
- The province has set up a ServiceBC Contact Centre line, where people can speak with an agent and get information related to floods, seven days a week.
- EmergencyInfoBC
- EmergencyInfoBC provides detailed information during provincial emergencies, sharing official response and recovery resources, as well as verified event information from trusted partners.
- 211 BC province-wide flood resource
- Mennonite Disaster Service 1-866-261-1274
- Canadian Red Cross: 1-800-863-6582
- Red Cross is helping people get $2000 per household to help with expenses. Please visit the Red Cross at the Return Home Centre located (as of February 1, 2022) at the old courthouse building next to City Hall on South Fraser Way. Hours of operation are Friday to Tuesday, 9am-4pm. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Archway Community Services: 604-859-7681
- Disaster Financial Assistance
I lost my source of income due to the floods, what do I do now?
- Financial aid may be available through Provincial and Federal governments. For more information on the eligibility for available assistance and steps to apply, visit the Province of BC.
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Multiple Crisis lines are available to listen and help at any time. If you need to talk to someone.
- Contact BC Mental Health Support Line, available 24 hours a day at 310-6789 OR Fraser Health Crisis line at 604-951-8855.
- If you have children or young family members who are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, Text TALK to 686868
- Visit www.fnha.ca or call the KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line at 1-800- 588-8717 for Counseling through the First Nations Health Authority.
- If you are a farmer or work in the agriculture industry, AgSafe BC has specific resources available to you.
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To give direction as to the proper order to proceed with Recovery Repair process, view the Recovery Process Repairs Worksheet. This will help prevent unnecessary work for yourself as you through this process.
- If you received a yellow or a red placard on your building, please refer to the notes on the placard for information on what systems may be damaged and which specialists to contact.
- If you are removing the insulation and vapour barrier from your home’s exterior walls, a building permit with follow up inspections will be needed. For additional information please visit Flood Restoration Permits page.
- Be aware that as you start cleaning your building, you may encounter further damage. Prior to moving back into your building, you should conduct all necessary inspections and repairs, to ensure your property is safe.
Recovery Process for Repairs Worksheet
For information on whether you need a building permit and how to go about getting one, please visit our Flood Restoration Permits page.