FLOODING
(Thanks to Calgary’s Ward 7)
Due to the large amount of rainfall that Calgary has received since last night, various
communities and homes are at risk of basement flooding. The City of Calgary has activated the
Calgary Emergency Operations Centre to help coordinate response and communications
efforts.
The water levels of both the Elbow and Bow rivers have risen, and will continue to rise, as a
result of this rainfall. Waters Services has a downstream protection plan ready to deploy on the
Elbow River, in response to increased releases from the Glenmore Dam. The reservoir level,
upstream of the Dam, is in the best position possible to mitigate the potentially high flow
entering the reservoir.
To keep safe during a flood:
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Do NOT attempt to walk or drive through flooded areas. You don’t know the depth of the
water or what might be under it. It takes only 15 cm (approximately 6”) of water to sweep you
off your feet.
Turn off the main power switch on the breaker panel in your home.
Stay away from areas with manhole covers, drains or stormwater ponds. Keep children away
from these areas.
Move items in basements to higher levels in your home.
Plug the drain in your basement to prevent sewage back up.
Listen to local television, radio or monitor Calgary.ca until you are told it is safe or you are
advised to evacuate.
Stay informed
How can you stay informed about flooding in Calgary? The degree of flooding will determine
whether you and your family need to stay at home or evacuate.
Information will be made available on The City's homepage, or call 3-1-1. If the power is out,
listen to updates through a battery-powered radio or TV to hear what the authorities
recommend.
Flooding Advisories
The City of Calgary works with Alberta Environment, which provides timely information on
forecasts and advisories for high stream flows, flooding and ice jams in rivers and streams in
Alberta. They provide information on river flows, river levels, and snowpack's.
Visit the Alberta Environment website for the latest advisories and reports,
http://environment.alberta.ca/forecasting/advisories/.