Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, especially in the spring, when the ground is still frozen or already saturated from previous storms. Rapid melting of snow and ice jams can also lead to floods. Every year, floods affect hundreds of thousands of Canadians and cause millions of dollars in damages.
Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to protect your property from floods. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Know your risk. The first step in being prepared is knowing the risks specific to where you live. You can learn about some past major flood events in Canada on the Public Safety Canada website. Also, most provinces and territories have region-specific information online.
- Talk to your insurance broker. Peace of mind comes from knowing your home and belongings are protected in case a flood does happen. Make sure your policy has you covered from flooding and water damage.
- Try your hand at DIY fixes. You don’t need to be super handy to update your home with some flood-prevention measures. For example, you can put sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors, or install flood shields or barriers on them. Ensure that your property is graded so that water runs away from your basement walls.
- Do some basic maintenance. Simple upkeep around your home, especially the exterior, can have a big impact when heavy rain strikes. Check that your roof and eavestroughs are draining properly and that all basement floor drains are not blocked or covered up. Make sure your sump pump is working and install a battery-operated backup.
- Get help from a pro. If you've experienced major flooding in the past, or have significant structural problems, like cracks in your foundation, you might need help from professionals, like engineers, plumbers or masons. A starting point is working with an independent assessor who can help you to figure out the most affordable solutions.
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