After a flood
Before returning home
Residents should not return to the evacuated area post-flood until told it is safe to do so by safety officials.
Additional hazards after waters recede
Erosion
- The force of flood waters can cause unstable infrastructure by wearing down the foundations of roads, bridges, buildings, pipes, and power lines, etc.
Debris
- The force of flood waters can cause items or debris to become hazardous, such as trees and power lines, or cause contamination.
Contamination
- Many dangerous substances can get mixed in with flood waters, such as concentrations of garbage, sewage, and other toxic pollutants.
Essential Services
- It may not be safe to enter back into a community before power, water, sewage, and fuel services have been repaired.
Returning home
- Do not return home until authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Clean and disinfect all surfaces impacted by flooding.
- If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
- Check for any damage to electrical or gas equipment that may have been caused by floodwater.
- Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage system until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician.
Before moving back in
Once the flood waters have receded, you should not live in your house until:
- The regular water supply has been inspected and officially declared safe for use.
- Every flood-contaminated room has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and surface-dried.
- All contaminated dishes and utensils have been thoroughly washed and disinfected - either by using boiling water or by using a sterilizing solution.
Checklists for returning home
- Download: Returning home safely after flooding: space-by-space checklists
- Download: After the flood: tips for property owners
Insurance
- Before you start the cleanup, call your insurance company.
- Be as detailed as possible when providing information. List all damaged or destroyed items.
- If possible, assemble proofs of purchase, photos, receipts and warranties. Keep all receipts related to clean up and living expenses if you’ve been displaced.
- If there is damage to the structure of your home, ask your insurance company about getting a professional inspection.
Navigating flood recovery and disaster assistance
Dealing with recovery from flooding is a multi-step process. But you don't have to do it alone.
If a disaster has been declared in your area due to flooding, there may be assistance available to you.
- Get step-by-step information: Flood recovery
If you need help or have questions, contact your regional Municipal and Community Affairs office.
For those outside communities
If you are a harvester or trapper whose cabin or equipment were damaged due to flooding, there may be assistance available.
- Learn more or apply: Harvesters and Trappers Disaster Assistance Program