Before a flood

Keep a record of the current state of your home or basement to be able to show its pre-disaster condition for potential insurance claims and disaster financial assistance. Include photos, and proof-of-purchase for any floodproofing measures, construction, or repairs.

Safe access is important. Consider how flooding will affect movement by people and vehicles in and around your home. Consider the potential flood depth, the velocity of the water and the distance to the nearest “dry land.” Even shallow water can sweep a pedestrian or a vehicle away when flowing quickly. 

While ensuring safe access in and around your home is important, it is not recommended that residents remain in their homes during flood events.

Improving and maintaining drainage around a home or a property can reduce the risk of water damage from rain, and other types of flooding. Seasonal and basement checklists are available in the flood proofing guide to assess the drainage of your home and property and share maintenance activities and changes you can make.

Find out if you are in an area prone to coastal or riverine flooding

Floodproofing is any temporary or permanent feature of a building or its surroundings that reduces the potential for damage caused by flowing or standing water as well as seepage or groundwater infiltration (into basements).

When properly designed and installed, appropriate floodproofing measures will reduce the likelihood of flood damage to your home and can reduce the cost of repair if damage does occur. However, depending on specific conditions or variables (such as building location or topography), floodproofing methods may not guarantee your home will be completely protected from the effects of flooding.

Learn more about how to protect your home and belongings from flooding with this home floodproofing guide (PDF 6.2 MB) put together by the provincial government.  

If you anticipate flooding that may cause standing water in your basement and your house has a natural gas supply, read more about flooding and natural gas safety.

Optional insurance coverage is available to insure homeowners against flood damage:

• overland flood insurance covers damage due to floodwater that enters through your windows and doors from floods caused by heavy rainfall, or overflowing lakes and rivers.
• sewer back-up insurance covers the home against damage from unexpected back-up of sewer lines, septic pumps, and other pipes and drains. 
• coastal storm surge insurance covers damage due to flooding arising from increased seawater levels and wave action caused by storms.