Overland Flooding

Why do you need to be Flood Ready?

Overland flooding happens when water flows overland and seeps into buildings through windows, doors and cracks. Floods are one of the most frequent and costly natural hazards in Canada. Floods have affected hundreds of thousands of Canadians and cause millions of dollars in damages each year.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. If water got into your property during a previous flood, it could happen again – unless you take action.
  3. 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.
  4. Floods can cause mould to grow, and this can have long-term health impacts on your family.
  5. Homes in older neighborhoods are usually more vulnerable from overland flooding, but newer homes can also be at risk, especially homes built in flood-prone areas like ravines.
  6. 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.

Don’t wait for the Water!

There are things you can do to reduce potentially expensive damage from overland flooding. Some are relatively quick and easy.

  1. Put sealant around basement  windows and the base of ground-level doors.
  2. Install flood shields or barriers for basement windows and doors.
  3. Raise large appliances in the basement above the potential water level from a flood.
  4. Secure furnaces, water heaters, and/or oil tanks so they won’t tip over in a flood.
  5. Check that all basement flood drains are not blocked or covered up.
  6. Make sure your sump pump is working and install a battery-operated backup.
  7. Ensure your property is graded so that water runs away from your basement walls.
  8. Check that your roof and eavestroughs are draining properly in heavy rains.
  9. Make sure your downspouts extend at least 2 m (6’) from your basement walls.
  10. Use a rain barrel to catch runoff from your roof.

For more #FloodReady tips and resources visit Canada.ca/Flood-Ready