Floods are among the most common and most damaging natural disasters in Canada. Fortunately, when severe weather or a natural disaster such as flooding does strike, OnStar can be there with Crisis Assist.* Advisors are standing by 24/7 so that when Crisis Assist is activated, they can be ready to provide OnStar Members with critical assistance, up-to-date information, special routing and a reassuring human voice. Despite having access to Crisis Assist, it’s important that Members learn how to be prepared for flood season.  

Although floods can strike at any time of the year, they’re especially frequent during spring and summer as the weather warms up. The most frequent cause of flooding is heavy rainfall, but the accumulation of snowpack and the resulting snowmelt are also contributing factors.  

In general, floods often occur in places where frozen or soggy soil can’t absorb heavy precipitation; in mountainous regions where the ground is steep and water runs off more quickly than it can be absorbed; in low-lying areas where rain has nowhere to go; and in many places near rivers and lakes.

Because so many Canadian cities were established near rivers, lakes and harbours, many of the country’s urban areas are at risk of flooding. Mountainous areas such as parts of the Yukon and Northwest Territories are also at risk. Alternatively, some Maritime provinces have unique flood challenges due to their geography. They can suffer flooding due to storm surges caused by hurricanes or tropical storms, which create large waves on the shoreline.

For the most up-to-date information, consult government weather updates at weather.gc.ca.

Before a flood, be aware of any low-lying roads or land near you and consider safe alternate routes you could take if waters begin to rise or roads become flooded. Those who live in steeper terrains should have plans to get to higher ground. You may also want to prepare an emergency kit with supplies for three to five days, and make backups of important documents like insurance policies and keep them in a waterproof container.

It’s also important to stay informed about the weather forecast, especially if flash flood watches or severe storms are in the forecast. Start by signing up for any available severe-weather alerts on your phone. In addition, be sure to listen to local news reports and weather warnings on TV or radio or check online weather sites to stay up to date on current conditions. Your province’s website may also have information on river water levels, as well as warnings of potential floods.

Always follow local officials’ instructions during a flood. When evacuating during a flood, never cross a flooded area. You could be swept away if you’re on foot. Keep away from downed power lines too. And because over half of flood fatalities are vehicle-related, turn around if you see water over the road and never drive through floodwaters. However, if you do get stuck in your vehicle in rapidly moving water, open the window in case you need to escape. If water is rising inside the vehicle, then climb onto the roof.

For more detailed tips on preparing for flooding, visit getprepared.gc.ca.

In the event of severe weather or a natural disaster, Members can push the red Emergency button to be connected to an OnStar Emergency-Certified Advisor,* who will be alerted that they are calling from a designated crisis area. Advisors are ready to help and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Not only will they help guide you through alternate routes away from flood zones and request help be sent to your vehicle’s location, they can also help you stay in touch with your loved ones.