The year was 1997.  I was employed by the City of Winnipeg as a Home Economist with Winnipeg Hydro. The city was dealing with the worst flood scenario since 1979.  It was being called "The Flood of the Century".

All the city’s resources were being deployed for flood relief.  As Home Economists we were well versed on communicating and dealing with the public.  We were transferred over to the Flood Hotline - a call centre for flood inquiries. People from all over the world were calling asking about how the flood was affecting their family and friends.  My training as a Home Economist helped me feel very comfortable talking to these people. A lot of them just wanted to talk to someone and be reassured that the whole city wasn't going to be under water. I felt qualified to deal with these people in a professional, yet personal manner. I will always remember 1997 and my involvement with the very human side of the "Flood of the Century" and how I helped make a difference.

Heather Deibert, PHEc
Free Lance Home Economist