Flood Risk graphic

When lake levels are high, there is an increased risk and lower thresholds for flooding in the Essex County Region. Use the following information; as well as, this link to information from the Essex Region Conservation Authority to help you in preparing for flooding. 

Sandbags

Sandbags and sand are available free of charge for LaSalle residents in flood prone areas. To ensure that only LaSalle residents are using the sandbags, residents must call the Public Works Department at 519-969-4143 to register to receive empty sandbags. Phones are answered weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Once registered, 100 empty sandbags will be delivered to the resident’s driveway. Delivery will take place weekdays, and can be delivered the same day if the resident registers by noon.

Residents can then bring the bags to the free self-service sand filling station at the former Centennial Arena site (2160 Old Front Road, behind the Goodwill Donation Centre). Residents must bring their own shovels and fill the sandbags on their own. Residents can request additional sandbags by calling the same phone number, however, photo proof of placement of the previous sandbags is required to guarantee additional delivery of bags.

Visit Ontario's website for information about the proper way to sandbag.

Tips to minimize water damage from a flood: outside the home

  • Ensure your lot is properly graded, so that water can drain away from your basement walls.
  • Repair, where possible, sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways that may have shifted over the years, allowing water to pool close to the home.
  • Landscape your yard and gardens with plants and vegetation that will minimize soil erosion.
  • In the winter, clear snow away from the home’s foundation.
  • Consider getting window well covers so that water does not accumulate.
  • Make sure your downspouts extend three to six feet, and drain in a direction away from your home as well as your neighbour’s.
  • Use a rain barrel to catch runoff.
  • Regularly clean and maintain your eavestroughs and gutters so that they’re not blocked.
  • Keep storm drains near your home clear of leaves and debris.
  • Repair or replace your roof if shingles are deteriorating or missing.
  • Hire a licensed plumber to ensure that the weeping tile (also known as a foundation drain) is in good working order.

Tips to minimize water damage from a flood: inside the home

  • There are also a few precautions you can take inside the home to decrease the chance of water damage happening to you.
  • While your plumber is checking the weeping tile, have them look at the sump-pit and sump pump too (if you have them) to ensure they’re working correctly and not blocked.
  • Consider investing in water leak sensors and alarms that alert you to possible leaks in the home; some of the more sophisticated models will even turn off the water coming into the house if a problem is detected.
  • Keep your floor drains clear of obstructions.
  • Seal cracks around windows and in the basement foundation and floors.
  • Protect your HVAC system; if possible, have a professional elevate the furnace and hot water tank so that it’s not sitting on the basement floor.
  • Consider installing shelves in the basement to keep items off the floor. Also, avoid keeping valuables and important documents in the basement; store them upstairs where they are less likely to be damaged.
  • Don’t pour fats, oils and grease down your drains; they may solidify and contribute to a clogged pipe— the last thing you need when your system is under distress from a storm!
  • Don't flush wet wipes of any kind down the toilet. Despite what some packaging says, wipes are not flushable. Paper towels and facial tissues also do not belong in the toilet. These items do not break down like toilet paper does. If wipes, paper towels and facial tissues are flushed, they can cause blockages in pipes – which may lead to sewage overflows in your home or business. The only things that should be flushed are the 3Ps: Pee, Poo & (toilet) Paper. No exceptions. Please put used wipes, facial tissues and paper towels in the garbage.
  • During heavy rainfalls, minimize your home water use.
  • Safeguard in-home electrical and climate systems.
  • Switches, sockets, circuit breakers and wiring should be at least a foot above the expected flood level in your area.
  • Modify your furnace, water heater and any other anchored indoor equipment so that it sits above your property’s flood level.
  • Anchor and elevate outdoor equipment.
  • Fuel tanks, air-conditioning units and generators should be anchored and raised above flood level. Fuel tanks that are not anchored can break free, and severed supply lines will contaminate the ground.
  • Determine how water flows around your house.
  • The grading or slope of the ground can direct water to your house or away from it. Obviously, it’s best if the home was built so that water drains away from it. This can be determined by watching how water flows or accumulates during an average rainstorm.

As waters rise, take last-minute measures:

  • Clear gutters, drains and downspouts
  • Move furniture, rugs, electronics and other belongings to upper floors, or at least raise them off the ground floor
  • Shut off electricity at the breaker panel
  • Elevate major appliances onto concrete blocks if they’re in danger of being flooded
  • Consider Sandbagging

Electrical Safety Information

There is a heightened risk of electric shock when water makes contact with electrical systems that could seriously injure or kill you. The following electrical safety tips could save your life, or the lives of first responders and utility personnel working in the area. When flooding has occurred:

  1. Do not enter your basement if you know or suspect water has risen above the level of electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, furnace, power cords, or is near your electrical panel. Electricity can move through water or wet flooring and cause electrical shock.
  2. In the event that flood water has risen above outlets, baseboard heaters, or your furnace, covers power cords, or is near the electrical panel, contact a licensed electrician or your local electric utility immediately and arrange for them to disconnect power to your home.
  3. Watch out for downed power lines in flooded areas. If you see one, stay out of the water and back at least 10 meters and call 9-1-1.

Natural Gas Information

For your safety, Enbridge Gas representatives will shut off customer’s natural gas supply in affected areas where gas meters can be safely accessed. Workers do not need to enter homes or businesses to do this. If you smell natural gas or detect other signs of a gas leak, please take the following steps:

  1. Prevent sources of ignition. Do not touch electrical switches, light candles, or use a landline phone.
  2. Exit the building immediately.
  3. From a safe area, phone Enbridge Gas at 1-877-969-0999 or 9-1-1.
  4. Do not re-enter the building until it has been inspected. Do not attempt to relight appliances.

For more information visit: uniongas.com/about-us/safety/flood