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May 12 2020

Flood season and COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to intensify additional emergencies or disasters. As we enter the 2020 flood season, now is the time to ensure our homes and businesses are prepared for flooding while considering COVID-19 spread prevention guidelines.

As emergency partner to the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), the Calgary Chamber stands ready to provide response and recovery support to our business community in the event of an emergency or disaster.

2020 flood risk

While there are many factors that influence flooding in Calgary, the most important is heavy rain fall which usually occurs between May 15 and July 15. This year, we have a high snow pack in the mountains which may increase river flow, however this doesn’t usually result in flooding on its own.

Flood preparation at home

As many of us continue to work from home, now is the best time to ensure you have a plan in place to protect your family and your property from flood while respecting COVID-19 guidelines.

Take precautions while moving valuables out of your basement

If you need help, ask someone you trust and take extra precautions such as maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meters, washing your hands frequently, and wearing face coverings. If you’re self-isolating, wait until you’re out of the isolation period or ask someone you trust to remove the items.

Review your evacuation plans

Should you become separated from your family members, choose an agreed upon meeting place that avoids crowds, such as large parking lots, quiet streets, or uncrowded green spaces.

Review your alternative accommodation options

Update your emergency kit

Make sure you have enough supplies to last 14 days if you get sick. Add hand sanitizer, soap, and cloth face coverings to your emergency preparedness kit.

Flood preparedness

Resources for your home

Sign up for flood alerts and notices

Stay up to date with conditions and ensure you are prepared to act.

Sign up

Make an emergency plan

Ensure you can take care of yourself and your family for the first 72 hours of an emergency.

How to

Build your emergency kit

Prepare supplies to support you and your family for 72 hours in an emergency situation.

What to include

Flood preparation in the workplace

If you are a business owner, there are many steps you can take to ensure your operations are prepared for any flooding situation.

Prepare your buildings

If your building has been unoccupied for a while, and it is safe for you to do so, conduct a flood-ready inspection that includes:

Prepare your operations

Prepare your employees

Floor preparedness

Resources for the workplace

Flood preparation business checklist

Take these simple steps to ensure your business is prepared for a flood.

Get the list

Business Continuity Handbook

Create or revisit your business continuity plans.

Get the guide

Ready Business Webpage

A list of steps you can take now to get your business ready for any emergency.

Access all resources