The Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a Flood Warning for the Aurora Midhurst Owen Sound District, specifically affecting residents of Ramara in the Black River area, including Lake St. John. In response to the flooding, the Township of Ramara is providing sand and sandbags at six designated self-serve locations.
“Our residents are facing extraordinary conditions, and we wish flooding was not among them,” states Mayor Clarke. “With widespread power outages, spoiled food, and cold temperatures, flooding is the last thing they need to worry about. The Township has set up six self-serve sandbag locations for residents to fill burlap bags with sand. Our infrastructure department is working tirelessly with Hydro One to restore power, and I encourage everyone to lend a hand to one another during this time.”
The six self-serve sandbag locations will have sand and burlap bags available. Please bring your own shovel to fill the bags and take them away, as delivery is not available. These locations will remain open until the water has receded and is no longer a threat to properties. Residents will be responsible for disposing of the sandbags after use. The six locations are as follows:
- Bluebird Street Boat Launch
- Bluebird Street Cul-de-sac
- Davy Drive Cul-de-sac
- East River Road Cul-de-sac
- Island Crescent Cul-de-sac
- Municipal Yard 3, located at 7305 County Road 169
Residents affected by high water and flow conditions should continue to take necessary actions to protect and secure vulnerable property near rivers and lakes. Those with waterfront properties should be aware that ice breakups along shorelines are expected, as rising water levels and high winds may cause the ice to become unstable.
To help protect your home and families, residents are reminded of the following prevention activities:
- Extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your home to move water away from the building.
- Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors.
- Keep gutters and nearby storm drains clear of debris and remove debris from water drainage systems such as weeping tile, culverts and ditches.
- Check your sump pump, backup pump and power supply. Ensure they are all in good working order and not connected in the sanitary sewer system.
- Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level.
- Find your floor drain and make sure nothing is covering it.
- Learn how to turn off utilities such as electricity and gas in your residence.
- Determine if there are any special precautions required to safeguard electrical, natural gas, fuel oil or propane heating.
What can you do to protect yourself and your things?
- Know your insurance policy. Make sure your home, vehicle, business and belongings are protected.
- Collect any important documents such as passports, birth certificates, banking information, and insurance papers, and store them safely above ground level or in waterproof containers.
- Have an evacuation plan for you, your family and your pets.
- Develop a buddy system: coordinate with a neighbour, friend, or relative to ensure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
- Build a 72-hour emergency kit for you, your family and pets.
For more information on how to protect your home, please visit our emergency management page at www.ramara.ca/EmergencyManagement or www.ontario.ca/floods. Please contact the infrastructure department if your culvert is backed up or if you are experiencing flooding on the road, using the online reporting a concern form found at www.ramara.ca/reportit.
The Township has created a dedicated Ice Storm Response webpage that includes information and resources for Ramara residents during the State of Emergency declaration. The webpage can be accessed at www.ramara.ca/IceStorm/.
