Property protection

Take simple steps to protect your property today so you're ready if there's a flood in the future.

Small steps can have a big impact

Protecting your property against flood damage can sound like a big job, but it's not as bad as you think. In fact, most preventative maintenance against floods can be done in less than a day, for much less than the cost of repairs.

What you can do today

Inside your 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 of 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 way to catch and disperse water in the soil near your property. Use native plants and vegetation that will resist soil erosion.

Other considerations

Water systems

• 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.

Livestock farms

Livestock have a natural instinct to flee flooding. Livestock will initially panic during flash floods and seek higher ground, if possible. When purchasing or designing your livestock operation, it is important that your livestock have access to higher ground in flood-prone areas. Without access, livestock are at greater risk of drowning or breaking out of pastures.