The township of Laurentian Valley is the latest to municipality to raise concerns for residents with potential flooding. The Ottawa River area of the Township of Laurentian Valley below the Highway 148 bridge is generally affected by high water levels and this is the section where MNRF has issued a Flood Warning. The Township has sand and sandbags available to ratepayers in affected areas that require them. Officials are also asking residents and visitors to plan ahead. Remember, it is important to plan ahead and prepare to make sure you are safe during a flood event or any emergency by preparing your emergency kits and reviewing the tip sheets with safety information related to sandbagging, electricity, well safety, flooded septic systems and checklists for emergency kits. Additional information on flood safety is available on the Township website or by contacting the Township office at 613-735-6291.
In any area where immediate flooding is anticipated, it is essential to shut off all electrical power by turning off the main service switch. If there is time, move as much electrical equipment as possible to floors or areas above the anticipated flood level. It is important not only to be prepared for the flooding, but to make preparations for normal living after the flood had subsided. Always have a flashlight and batteries ready. Water wells can be contaminated by flooding. While this contamination may involve an unpleasant taste, odour, or cloudiness of the well water, some contamination can only be recognized after water quality testing. Under flood conditions surface water may enter directly into the water source via the well itself, an old abandoned well, or some other nearby excavation, bypassing the natural filtering process. Testing and recovery efforts should be focused on possible bacterial contamination.
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)
