Flood Emergency Information
If there is potential for large-scale coastal or Fraser River flood, local government or provincial officials will likely to be able to provide advance instructions to residents, which could include evacuation alerts or notices. In some flood situations, however, advance warning may not be possible. Regular monitoring of emergency information is important.
If this is a flood emergency
Is there a flood now in your community?
- Stay calm. Do not walk or drive in flood waters. Even shallow flood waters can be a serious safety threat. Park vehicles well away from all waterways.
- If someone is in danger of drowning or other life-threatening situation or has an emergency medical condition, call 911.
- Check with your municipality or with your First Nation (website, social media, phone). Local governments and First Nations governments are responsible for first emergency response to flood and will provide instructions to residents and community members.
- For flood emergencies impacting more one community, check EmergencyInfoBC for updated provincial reports and advice:
- Twitter: @EmergencyInfoBC
- Website: www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca
- To report a dike or dam failure, debris flows or flood, call the BC Emergency Coordination Centre (EMBC) at 1-800-663-3456.
- Follow local media for news, announcements and updates.
Prepare in advance
- Get your family prepared for flood emergencies with advice from Prepared BC, including advice and a household planning guide in Be Prepared for a Flood in British Columbia.
- Check the BC River Forecast Centre for flood warnings and advisories across BC.
- Where available, read the flood information pages of your local municipality for preparation information. Here are some handy links to municipal pages.
- Learn First Aid – and keep a first aid kit on hand: at home, at work and in your car. Courses are available from organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross and St. John Ambulance.
- Follow your local government and EmergencyInfoBC social media channels so you are alert to any potential flood events.
- Ensure your cellphone or wireless device is compatible with Alert Ready, Canada’s emergency alerting system. In BC the system is available to alert members of the public to a potential tsunami, an Amber Alert or a civil emergency. (A civil emergency is a police incident that may require the quick dissemination of information for public safety.) In early 2022 Emergency Management BC said that the system may also be used during the 2022 spring freshet and wildfire season. Learn more about BC’s public alerting systems.