Canadian Red Cross launches door-to-door pilot program to support flood resiliency in Squamish

Squamish is one of three Canadian communities chosen for a new door-to-door pilot program to boost flood risk awareness and emergency preparedness at the household level. The program, developed in partnership with Canadian Red Cross, Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation and University of Waterloo aims to provide residents with flood hazard information, as well as simple tips and suggestions to help reduce the risk of minor flooding at home. Red Cross volunteers will conduct door-to-door visits in Squamish beginning Saturday, March 30 to learn what families are already doing to reduce their flood risk, share additional flood protection tips, and provide local flood protection and emergency preparedness resources.

Flooding is one of the most common environmental hazards in Canada. Between 1918 and 2018, there were 302 major flood events in Canada, accounting for over a third (37 per cent) of all-natural disasters occurring in the country during that time (Public Safety Canada, 2018). Most homeowners, however, are unaware of the risk. On average, only six percent of Canadians are aware of the flood risks in their area (University of Waterloo, 2017).

Key facts

• Red Cross volunteers will go door-to-door in Squamish between March 30 and April 17, 2019 to speak with residents about being prepared for a possible flood.
• Squamish was chosen for the pilot because of the local flood risk, having been last affected by severe floods in 2003. Most Squamish flooding events have occurred between October and December when warm temperatures melt higher elevation snowpack, contributing to higher than normal water levels from rain alone. 
• Volunteers will hand out District of Squamish tools and resources including a pocket guide to Community Evacuation Preparedness, and information on signing up for Squamish Alert, the District’s free emergency notification service.
• Red Cross volunteers will not need to enter individual homes, but instead will make sure residents are aware of some simple tips and suggestions that could help to reduce the risk to their home from drainage-related flooding, including:
  • Clearing debris from the nearest storm drain that may be blocking the drainage of water;
  • Storing valuables in watertight containers and moving them off the basement floor;
  • Cleaning out the home’s eavestroughs twice per year and extending downspouts to direct water a minimum of 2m away from the foundation;
  • Testing the sump pump twice per year and installing a backup sump pump and battery.

Following this pilot study, the Canadian Red Cross will evaluate the success of this method for working with, and educating, communities.

The District of Squamish Emergency Program works closely with the Canadian Red Cross to ensure the delivery of basic support services during emergencies and disasters which affect the community. Residents can access information and resources, as well as sign up for the free Squamish Alert emergency notification system at www.preparesquamish.ca

The Canadian Red Cross is a leader in emergency preparedness, educating hundreds of thousands of Canadians about how to be prepared and the importance of emergency preparedness kits and planning.

Mandana Salimian, Emergency Management Coordinator for Red Cross British Columbia & Yukon said, “Red Cross helps Canadians prepare for, and respond to, flooding emergencies.  When we talk about flood-risk reduction, we hear from people who worry it is too costly or too difficult to implement flood-protection solutions in their homes. Over the coming weeks, Red Cross volunteers in Squamish will be sharing simple cost-effective ways people can protect their homes and help keep their families and neighbours safe.”

Karen Elliott, Mayor for the District of Squamish said, “Squamish is set in a geographically complex natural environment resulting in us being exposed to a number of hazards, including flooding, making it vital for each of us to take emergency preparation measures to protect ourselves and our families. This program builds on our efforts to prepare for community emergencies and we very much value this support from the Canadian Red Cross.”

March 27, 2019