In simple terms, a flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. For homeowners, flooding is when a water overflow occurs inside the home, frequently in the basement. Flooding can also occur on the property around the home, and can be caused by weather or climate factors as well as drainage issues.
Taking steps to protect your home from flooding and knowing what actions to take in the event of a flood is crucial - to get started, fill out the questionnaire linked below to see how ready you are right now.
Home Flood Protection Checkup Questionnaire
Six Reasons You Need to be Flood Ready
Source: Government of Canada Website 1
Being Flood Ready can save money, properties and lives. The following are just a few of the reasons to make sure you're prepared for overland flooding events.
- Residential overland flooding, in general, is not covered by standard property insurance. Talk to your insurer about the types of water damage that are covered by your policy.
- If water got into your property during a previous flood, it could happen again – unless you take action.
- Many Canadians use finished basements as extra living space, which means that basements now have more furniture and expensive electronics that could be damaged by a flood.
- Floods can cause mould to grow, and this can have long-term health impacts on your family.
- Homes in older neighbourhoods are usually more vulnerable from overland flooding, but newer homes can also be at risk, especially homes built in flood-prone areas like ravines.
- Climate change is expected to continue to impact the amount and distribution of rain, snow, and ice and the risk of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfalls and related flooding.
Ways to Prepare Your Home from Flooding
Courtesy: Government of Canada Flood Ready Website 2
Many different areas of your home require special steps to be prepared in the event of the flood. Some of those include:
Inside the Home:
- Use water-resistant building materials for renovations below ground level.
- Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors.
- Install flood shields or barriers for basement windows and doors. The tops of the shields should extend above ground level.
- Raise large appliances, furnaces, hot water heaters, and electrical panels in your basement on wood or cement blocks above the potential water level. If an item can't be raised, consider anchoring it and protecting it with a floodwall or shield.
- Prevent fuel tanks from tipping and leaking by anchoring them to the floor. Make sure vents and fill-line openings are above flood levels. If you use propane, contact the propane company before making any changes.
- If a flood warning is in effect, shut off electricity to areas that are at risk of flooding.
- Move furniture, valuables, and electronics to the place in your property that is least likely to be affected by flooding.
Outside Your Home:
- Make sure that your lot is properly graded. If possible, build up the ground around your property so that water drains away from basement walls.
- Make sure downspouts extend at least 2 m (6') from your basement wall. Water should drain away from your property and neighbouring properties.
- Check that your roof and eaves are draining properly in heavy rains.
- Check sidewalks, patios, decks, and driveways to make sure they haven't settled over time, causing water to drain toward your property.
- Clear snow away from the building's foundation. If the ground is sloped one inch per foot near the building, moving snow just three to five feet from the building will reduce problems.
- Use a rain barrel to catch water runoff.
- Consider planting a "rain garden" by using landscaping as a way to catch and disperse water in the soil near your property. Use native plants and vegetation that will resist soil erosion.
Other Considerations:
- Make sure your plumbing system and drains follow Code requirements.
- Install backwater valves or plugs for drains, toilets, and other sewer connections.
- Make sure your sump pump is working and install a battery-operated backup in case of a power failure.
- Install a water alarm to let you know if water is accumulating in your basement.
Our team is here to help you get a complete picture of any home you’re considering buying and to make changes that can improve your home and make it more appealing to buyers if you’re selling. To learn more about how we can help you reach your real estate goals, contact us today.
1 https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/flood-ready/six-reasons.html
2 https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/flood-ready/prepare-home/property-protection.html
