Heavy rain and seasonal snow melt often result in flooding. When electrical equipment and wiring are exposed to moisture and pollutants in floodwater, there is a risk of fire and shock hazards.

Protect Your Home from Flooding

The Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo has developed a variety of resources to help Canadians take action to reduce their home flood risk. More information and resources are available from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation website www.HomeFloodProtect.ca

Take their Home Flood Protect Check Up and see how you do!

 Step 1: Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
  1. Remove debris from nearest storm drain or ditch and culvert.
  2. Clean out  eaves troughs.
  3. Check for leaks in plumbing fixtures and appliances.
  4. Test your sump pump.
  5. Clean out your backwater valve.
 Step 2: Simple Upgrades You Can Do Yourself
  1. Install window well covers (where fire escape requirements permit)*
  2. Extend downspouts and sump discharge pipes at least 2m (6 feet) from foundation.
  3. Store valuables and hazardous materials in watertight containers and secure fuel tanks.
  4. Remove obstructions to floor drain.
  5. Install and maintain flood alarms.
 Step 3: Hire a Licensed Contractor for Additional Upgrades
  1. install window wells that sit 10-15cm above ground and upgrade to water resistant windows.
  2. Disconnect downspouts, cap foundation drains and extend downspouts to direct water at least 2m (6 feet) from foundation.
  3. Correct grading to direct water at least 2m (6 feet) away from foundation.
  4. Install backwater valve.
  5. Install backup sump pump and battery.

Safety Tips to Prepare for a Flood

Contact Us to shut off the electricity at your property 24/7, If you expect flood water will rise above electrical outlets.  

The following steps will help prepare you and your family in the event of a flood emergency:

  • Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors
  • Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains of your home
  • Install the drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your home to ensure water moves away from the building
  • Move documents and keepsakes out of the basement
  • Keep instructions for shutting off gas and water valves handy and read them carefully. 
 If you are indoors:
  • Move essential items (and household chemicals) to an upper floor
  • Disconnect electrical appliances and don’t touch electrical equipment if you’re wet or standing in water
  • Bring in outdoor furniture (if you have time)
  • Don’t eat food that’s come in contact with flood waters
 If you are outdoors:
  • Move to higher ground if there is a chance of a flash flood
  • Don't walk through moving water as you may fall
  • If you have to walk, look for where the water is not moving and use a stick to check the ground in front of you
  • Keep children and pets away from flood water
  • Don’t drive through floodwaters

More information on how to prepare if you leave your home due to flooding, as well as what to do when you return to your home after a flood, and safety tips for cleaning up wet and damp locations.

Repairs and Inspections After a Flood

Electrical equipment and wiring that has been exposed to water through flooding or fire fighting activities, may be dangerous if they are powered up without proper evaluation and reconditioning or replacement by qualified persons.  Electrical repairs may be needed, as a result of damage from flooding. There are some critical elements to ensure  electrical work is done legally and safely.

More about electrical repairs, permits and inspections.