Flood and Water Damage Safety

Did you know that floods are the most common natural hazard in Canada? They are mostly caused by heavy rainfall and/or quickly melting snow and ice. If you know you live in an area that is prone to flooding or you are worried that your home may be at risk, it is best to protect your home through preventative action.

For this year’s National Community Safety and Crime Prevention Month, held during the month of November, the Canada Safety Council is partnering with Desjardins Insurance to provide Canadians with valuable information on keeping their property safe before, during and after a flood.

Areas that are especially at risk of flooding can include low-lying grounds, which are especially at risk because water tends to flood towards low points. Too much water draining into city sewers too quickly can also cause a back up of the system, therefore increasing the risk of floods to basements and roads..

Safeguard your home against flooding before you have to, or you may find it’s too late! Install or have the following on hand:

• A generator or a backup sump pump if you’re in an urban area, in case the power goes out.
• A downspout drainage away from your home to ensure the water flows away from your home instead of toward it.
• Zero reverse flow valves in basement floor drains.

Make sure your home also has:

• Clean gutters so water can flow freely.
• Shrubs, plants or other greenery over your asphalt and concrete lots, if you have any. These materials can help absorb storm water.

You should also ensure that proper seals are in place around your basement windows and ground level doors. In the event of a flood, these will help mitigate any potential leakage into your home.

For more information on mitigation of damage during a flood and rehabilitation post-flooding, we’ve created a Flood and Water Damage Safety booklet outlining best practices to ensure you’re covered in case of emergency. You can download it here.

– 30 –

For more information, please contact:
Lewis Smith
Manager, National Projects, Canada Safety Council
(613) 739-1535 x228