Flood protection essentials for homeowners
Flooding is Canada’s most common and costly natural hazard. Floods can occur at any time of year and in any region. Over 80% of Canadians live in urban areas, and nearly 80% of major Canadian cities are in flood zones. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a flood is crucial to protecting your home and preparing your household in the event of a flood.
Before a flood
- Know the risks. It’s important to be aware of the unique risks in your area. For instance, low-lying regions are prone to flooding. Contact your local municipality to get a clear picture of the flood risk in your vicinity.
- Make a plan. Every household should have an emergency plan. It will help you and your family know what to do in an emergency.
- Stay connected. Check weather alert services, which share timely weather warnings, watches, advisories, and statements.
- The WeatherCAN app provides weather alerts for anywhere in Canada.
- The Weather Information webpage on the Government of Canada’s website displays all active alerts for Canada.
- FloodSmart Canada‘s website has a list of helpful resources from provincial and municipal governments.
- Local radio and television broadcasts will help you stay updated with the latest weather information.
- Ensure your cell phone is compatible with Canada’s emergency alerting system, Alert Ready.
- Secure your valuables. Store prized possessions at a higher level in your home to protect them from flood damage. Make copies of important documents or digitize them.
- Prepare your home. While it’s challenging to protect your property from flood damage completely, there are some steps you can take to mitigate potential losses:
- Grade the soil around your home to slope it away from your foundation.
- Keep rain gutters and downspouts clear and ensure they drain at least two metres away from your foundation.
- Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
- Look at installing a sump pump and backflow valve in your basement. A sump pump can remove standing water or water accumulating near the foundation, while a backflow valve prevents sewage from flowing into your home if the sanitary sewer is overloaded. Approximately 40 local governments across Canada have taken proactive steps to mitigate and prevent basement flooding incidents by offering flood protection incentives. FloodSmart Canada provides a comprehensive list of these incentives by province and territory, making it easy to check your eligibility for financial assistance.
- Ensure you’re protected. Many insurers offer improved premiums, caps, and deductibles for homeowners with flood protection measures in place. Consider enhancing your coverage with additional options such as sewer backup and overland water protection. Speak to a broker for information on different coverage levels and rates in your area.
During a flood
Floodwater is unpredictable and dangerous. Even seemingly minor floods can be deadly. The best thing you can do if you encounter a flood is to move away from the water.
- Stay informed with local officials on how to stay safe during a flood.
- Flooding may cause a power outage.
- Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning in a power outage. Never use gas-powered appliances indoors.
- Portable generators should be operated at least 6 metres away from any structure and never in a flooded area.
- Disconnect your eavestroughs if they’re connected to municipal sewer systems.
- Do not attempt to shut off your electricity if water is present, as water and live electrical wires can be lethal.
- Leave your home if local officials advise you to do so. Ignoring their warning could jeopardize the safety of your household or rescuers.
- If time permits, leave a note to inform others when you left and where you went.
After a flood
As a homeowner, your role in restoring your home after a flood is critical. It’s your responsibility to act promptly and with caution, not only to prevent further property damage but also to safeguard your health.
- Only return home once authorities have advised you it’s safe to do so. Flood-damaged buildings can be structurally unsound.
- If the main power switch wasn’t turned off before the flood, only re-enter your home once a certified electrician has determined it’s safe.
- If possible, clean up flooded areas within 48 hours to avoid mould growth.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as goggles, gloves, rubber boots, and a respirator, to avoid or limit direct contact with contaminated flood water.
- Dispose of contaminated household items that can’t be dried.
- Once your household’s safety is secured, it’s crucial to contact your insurance broker immediately. They will guide you through the next steps, explain what is and isn’t covered under your policy, and provide your coverage limits.
If you’re a current Higgins Insurance, part of Orbit Insurance Services client, you can contact a broker to review your existing home insurance policy and discuss enhancing your protection. If you are looking for home insurance, request a quote and one of our home insurance experts will contact you.
Sources:
Government of Canada – Prepare for floods
Government of Canada – Floods – Get Prepared
Insurance Bureau of Canada – Water Damage and Flood Protection
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – Biological Hazards – Flood Clean-up