What to do if your house floods, according to an expert

When a flood strikes, it can be devastating and overwhelming. But you can take steps to minimize the damage. 

Recently, the National Capital Region was impacted by severe weather. CTV News reports Ottawa had up to 100 mm of rain in six hours, in addition to hail and strong winds on August 10, 2023. After seeing the destruction of severe weather, many Ontarians want to know what to do if their house floods. 

The Government of Canada states flooding is Canada's most frequent natural disaster and can happen anywhere. They report, "two out of ten Canadian homes are at risk of flooding, but most homeowners don't know about it." 

That’s why we spoke with CAA’s Elliott Silverstein, Director Of Government Relations (Insurance), to get expert advice on what to do if your house floods.  

In the unfortunate event of a house flood, there are several important steps to ensure safety and minimize damage. Ensure the safety of all inhabitants by evacuating to a safe location if water levels become too high. 

Put on protective gear before entering flood water. Flood water can contain contaminants, bacteria, fecal matter, and animals.   

Begin by turning off the electricity. But if your switch is in a flooded basement, call an electrician. Next, turn off any water lines to determine the source of the flooding. Look for the main valve in the house. If possible, open windows and doors to set up fans to get airflow to help prevent mould and mildew from water damage. While water removal is critical, in many cases, a professional flood salvage company may be needed.   

Make sure to call your insurance company before you talk to trades or bring in a clean-up crew. The sooner you start your claim, the quicker the process will be. Take photos of the water damage before the start of the clean-up to help your insurance company. You'll also want to keep receipts if you hire a plumber or electrician to deal with shut-offs. 

The number one thing you can do to prepare for extreme weather is call your insurance company to review your policy and check what is covered before storm season starts. If you need to adjust your coverage, it's important to do that before a storm hits. Water Coverage, Home Equipment Breakdown Coverage and Service Line Coverage are great options to consider adding to your property insurance policy for additional coverage. While on the call, reviewing your auto insurance policy is also a good idea. Damage from hail or falling trees can be costly to repair.    

It is a good idea to get a house assessment done to determine what needs upgrading or replacing, such as the roof, fence, gutters and windows. You'll also want your sump pump checked. As they help save many homeowners from costly basement and foundation repairs. Even your driveway and garden should be looked at. Are your driveway and patio properly graded away from the house? Does water have a clear path to flow with no blockages from drainpipes? The more you know, the better you can prioritize.   

One big mistake is getting the cheapest insurance coverage. While the coverage fits your immediate budget, it might not give you what you need.  

If you aren't updating your coverage amount annually, you should be. CAA offers free policy reviews, which are essential due to rising inflation and the cost of life. Replacement costs a year ago are not what they are today, so you need to update coverage to reflect current realities.    

Finally, the last thing is not calling CAA Insurance first! Did you know CAA Members save 10% on CAA Home Insurance policies and even more if they bundle that with CAA Auto Insurance?