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Flood Hub

If you experienced flood damage:


If your house has flooded - Flood Recovery Information: Pumping a Flooded Basement Safely


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Frequent Asked Questions

As of Friday, July 3, 2026  3:03 PM

Active Emergency Questions

If you know of anyone who needs shelter or support, send them to the “Support Centre” (Veterans Hall)

I need sandbags from the Town for active flooding!

  • Sandbags are still available

  • Although requests have significantly decreased, sandbags and sand remain available for residents who require them.

  • To request sandbags or sand, please contact Public Works at 204-734-8963.

Where can I get the latest information on the flood?

I experienced flood damage. What do I need to do for insurance and DFA?

  • Contact your insurance first.

  • Make a claim to the Disaster Financial Assistance program (see below section on DFA)

  • Report property damage to the Town of Swan River - https://forms.gle/46UQk7d88fq12gAPA

  • We provide the below as general guidance.

    1. Photograph and video all damage immediately.

    2. Do not dispose of any damaged items until you have spoken with your adjuster and confirmed it’s OK to do so.

    3. Pump out water as soon as safely possible, following recommended methods.

    4. Protect your property, but not at the expense of your safety.

  • Check your policy for Overland Flood and/or Sewer Back-Up coverage and report a claim of coverage applies.

 

Highway and Road Conditions

I need to get out of Town? Where can I get updates on highway conditions.

  • Town staff are not aware of latest highway conditions outside of Swan River. For the latest and most accurate highway conditions, please check 511’s website or download the app. If you’re in Manitoba, you can dial 511.

  • https://www.manitoba511.ca/

  • DO NOT TRAVEL THROUGH FLOODED ZONES, AROUND BARRICADES, OR ON CLOSED ROADS.

I need to get across a flooded road? Is it safe to drive across?

  • No! The Town of Swan River and the RCMP are asking residents to avoid travelling through or visiting flooded and evacuated areas unless absolutely necessary. Do not go through any barricades.

  • There has been hidden erosion under flooded roads. Roads that look good may be ready to collapse. If you see any road at risk of collapse, call the Town and let us know immediately so we can barricade.

  • Flooded roadways may contain hidden hazards, including trees, debris, and other submerged obstacles that can damage vehicles or cause them to become stuck.

  • Driving through standing water also creates wakes that can cause additional damage to already impacted homes and properties.

 

Flooded Property, Electrical Safety, Pumping Your Basement

My property is in a mandatory evacuation area. Can I re-enter?

  • The Mandatory Evacuation Order for the previously identified impacted areas remains in effect.

  • Residents are reminded that they must not return to their homes until the Town advises it is safe to do so. We will provide updates as soon as conditions allow the evacuation order to be lifted.

  • Entry is at your own risk.

Can I walk across flooded zones?

  • No! It is still not safe! There can be invisible hazards, obstacles, or holes from erosion.

  • Assume the water is contaminated and could have chemicals, bacteria, particles, or other things that can make you sick.

  • If there are downed power lines, the water could be energized.

What should I know about Electrical Safety during this flood?

  • Stay out of standing water, as underground or downed power lines may energize the water.

  • Watch for submerged hydro poles and low-hanging power lines.

  • Avoid unnecessary travel after dark, as power lines may be difficult to see.

  • Manitoba Hydro Flood Safety Resources - https://www.hydro.mb.ca/.../04/flood-safety-spring-2026/?

My house is flooded. Should I be worried about my electrical panel and plug ins?

  • Yes! Do not enter flooded basements or buildings. Always assume electrical equipment and wiring remain energized until Manitoba Hydro has confirmed it is safe.

  • If your property has been affected by flooding and you require your power to be disconnected, contact Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-624-9376.

  • For more information about flood safety and electrical hazards, please visit:

    1. Customer Flood Information Bulletin (PDF) https://www.hydro.mb.ca/.../informative-note-2-032-v0326.pdf?

    2. Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment (NEMA Guide – PDF) (A technical resource for electricians and those assessing flood-damaged electrical equipment.) - https://www.nj.gov/.../publ.../pdf_other/NEMA_GD_1__2019.pdf

Can I pump my basement out? How do I do it safely?

  • First, see above question about Electrical Safety.

  • Second, if your home is in an actively flooded area, do not pump out your basement! Wait until the water surrounding you has receded. The water in your basement is creating equalizing pressure against the water surrounding your house. If you pump it out, the water outside may press against your foundation and break through.

  • For more information about how to pump out your basement safely, please visit: https://www.swanrivermanitoba.ca/p/flood-recovery-information-pumping-a-flooded-basement-safely

 

Manitoba EMO - Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)

What do I need to know about DFA?

  • DFA funding will begin as appropriate. This program is administrated by the Province of Manitoba.

  • Make sure you contact your insurance provider first.

  • If you have been displaced (living in a hotel) or have incurred costs to mitigate the flood (e.g., pumps), keep all your receipts.

Where do I apply for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA)?

Where can I find more information about the DFA?

 

Support and Donation Centre

Where do I register for Emergency Social Services, Hotels, and Emergency Funding?

  • You can register at the Support Centre. Registration will be open Friday, July 3rd (18:00 to 20:00) and July 4th and 5th (09:00 to 17:00).

Where is the Support Centre and what are the hours?

  • The Support Centre, still located at Veterans Community Hall, will now operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

  • To our knowledge, all evacuated residents have either secured accommodations with family or friends or have been placed in hotel accommodations through Manitoba Emergency Social Services.

  • If you or someone you know still requires assistance, please contact the after-hours number 204-281-0374.

How long can I stay in my hotel room provided through ESS?

  • Emergency Social Services (ESS) has secured hotel rooms until Sunday, July 5. If accommodations are still needed beyond that date, the situation will be assessed and coverage may be extended.

 

Do I qualify to have my hotel room covered?

  • To qualify for hotel accommodations, you must be the primary resident of a home that was either:

    1. Subject to the mandatory evacuation order, or

    2. Made unsafe or uninhabitable due to flooding.

  • Residents who do not meet these criteria are responsible for arranging their own accommodations.

 

What if I qualify for coverage but have been paying for my hotel room myself?

  • If you qualify for accommodations but have been paying for your room, please visit the Support Centre to have your reservation transferred to the program. Be sure to keep all hotel receipts, as there may be an opportunity for reimbursement.

Why does my house have a red ribbon?

  • Red ribbons were placed on homes by emergency services after they confirmed the residence had been cleared following the mandatory evacuation order. They were used as a visual indicator that the property had been checked.

 

Who can I ask for help during recovery?

  • As floodwaters recede and the community transitions into recovery and cleanup, the Town will provide information on available services, supports, and recovery resources. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

I want to donate to help people in need. Where do I take it and what is needed?

  • Donation Centre - Veteran's Community Hall Legion Room

  • As of right now, all that is needed is non-perishable ready to eat foods (granola bars, cookies, chips, etc.).

I had to stop working because of the flood. Can I apply for EI?

  • See notice from Service Canada LINK

Town Service Questions

How can I contact the Town?

  • Town Office is open 8:30 to 4:30; 204-734-4586; main@townsr.ca

  • If you have a medical, fire, or police emergency call 911

  • If you have a municipal emergency (e.g., need sandbags) after hours, call 204-734-8963.

Should I be reducing my water usage?

  • Due to heavy demand on the Town’s sewer system, residents are asked to reduce water. Limit flushing toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines, and any non-essential water disposal.

Are Garbage and Recycling Pickup still going on?

  • Garbage pickup will follow its usual schedule where crews can access.

  • Recycling Pickup is suspended until further notice.

Is the landfill open?

  • The landfill is closed until further notice.