Port Bruce is prone to flooding as it is located in a flood plain.  The most common time for flooding to takes place is in the late winter and early spring when Catfish Creek and Lake Erie are freezing and thawing. 
Flooding occurs due to a number of factors such as unusually high snowpack’s raising the risk of potential flooding, the rate snowpack’s melt in warm temperatures and the levels of rain coupled with warm weather and snow melting. 

Before Potential Flood Situations

Catfish Creek Conservation Authority will issue a flood advisory if there is a potential for flooding and a flood warning if flooding is imminent. People are warned to stay away from ditches, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing water is very dangerous.  Keep your children away from floodplain areas. If you are on the Township’s Flooding Notification List, you will receive a call from the Township’s automated telephone service letting you know that an advisory has been issued. (To subscribe to this notification protocol, please complete and submit this form: https://laserfiche.malahide.ca/Forms/Emergency-Warning-Contact  

When an advisory is issued you should get prepared for a potential warning by preparing an emergency kit that includes the following:

  • Food and water
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery powered radio
  • Packing an overnight bag including medications
  • Check your home; be sure valuables are “high and dry”.  This includes securing all non-permanent outdoor items such as propane tanks, lawn furniture, children’s toys, etc
  • Have identification for each member of your household and any important personal and family documents
  • Remove toilet bowls, and plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a wooden plug

 

Be prepared in the event of a flood emergency by reviewing some tips and tricks for flood preparation. 
For more detailed information in cleaning up after a flood visit the Get Prepared - Floods website.
Ice Jam Flooding: Causes, Risks and Conservation Authority Roles
If you must Evacuate 

Catfish Creek Conservation Authority will issue a flood warning when flooding is imminent. The Township will notify all residents who are on the Flooding Notification List via the automated calling service letting you know that a flood warning has been issued. 
Volunteer firefighters may also be knocking on doors to advise residents of the warning and the emergency shelter location.  At this point, you should:

  • Leave immediately.
  • Report to the Township’s flood emergency reporting station, which will be manned by volunteer firefighters at the intersection of Imperial Rd and Half Moon Rd. and advise the volunteers you are leaving and where you can be contacted when it is safe to return.  The volunteers will record your name and 911 address. 
  • The Township will open an Emergency Shelter which will be available to you as a place to stay during the flood emergency should you choose to do so.

If someone in your home is immobile and requires assistance to leave, upon notification of the flood warning, please provide this information to the Township Office or volunteer notifying you of the warning. 
 
There are two emergency shelters for Malahide Township.  Malahide Community Place located at 12105 Whittaker Rd. Springfield – 519-765-4755 is the primary emergency shelter for the north half of the Township.  The Sommerfeld Church located at 6700 Springfield Rd. is the primary emergency shelter for the south half of the Township.  If required, the East Elgin Community Complex is the secondary emergency shelter located at 531 Talbot St. W. Aylmer – 519-773-5631.
 
For up-to-date information regarding flood advisories, warnings, ice conditions and all other flood emergency information, please visit the Malahide Township website  and the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority website.
After the Flood

Following a flood, it is important to restore your residence to good order as soon as possible to prevent further damage and health issues.  Prior to re-entering your house, please ensure that the building is structurally safe to do so. 
 
Flood water is potentially contaminated with sewage and other pollutants.  If you suspect that your drinking water has been contaminated, ensure that you purify it before drinking, either by boiling or adding purification tablets. 


 

 

 


 

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