Last year's spring flooding will mean some new rules for Huntsville residents this spring.
This year the Town of Huntsville has some new rules for these big propane or oil tanks.
“They have to be anchored down, they have to be fastened into the busing in a mechanical form,” says Huntsville Fire Chief Steve Hernan.
He says several of the tanks broke free last year and floated down the road.
All small buildings, like sheds, must also be tied down.
“We had several of those last year and they caused us aggravations and problems and safety concerns obviously, so worth taking the steps to see if we can alleviate that,” Hernan says.
Moses Moon lives along river cove in Huntsville. That's why his basement ceiling is 12 feet high. When you live in a flood prone area you put your electrical panel as high off the ground as you can.
River Cove was one of many Muskoka roads that were under water last year. Dozens of people were forced to leave their flooded homes.
With the snow pack still deep, many people are waiting to see what happens.
“There really isn't a whole lot we can do except get ready to get out,” says resident John Foster. “I've got my canoe ready under the tree and my paddles everything.”
That's not all homeowners can do to prepare. They can also add flood insurance. Amanda Brown is with Withey Insurance. She says her industry has seen flood claims surpass fire claims in recent years. So flood insurance has gone up in price.
“It can be anywhere from a couple extra hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars depending on your area,” she says.
In terms of getting the coverage in a flood-prone area, she says, “You can and maybe through a specialty market. Your average company may not offer it to you but it's definitely something worth talking to your broker about.”
Huntsville is reminding people they should be ready to go in a moment’s notice if required. For now it's a waiting game to see how fast the snow melts.
