What to do after flooding?

Flooding on your property is a disruptive hardship for everyone affected, whether water is in the basement, cellar or throughout the house. It’s incredibly shocking and stressful to see all your worldly goods submerged under water. It’s not always easy to know what to do or where to start to limit the damages and preserve your belongings. What should you do if you experience flooding? We’ll help you answer this question that marks the beginning of the recovery process.

During, after, eventually…

There are usually three phases when flooding is involved. Each requires special attention in order to limit the losses in your home. Since it’s often the most valuable asset you own, it’s normal — and recommended — to act quickly.  

During flooding, the priority is to ensure the safety of people and materials. As an insured person, it’s critical to keep track of what happens so you can simplify future steps you’ll have to take (especially with your insurer).   

William Perreault, Operations and Technical Advice at Desjardins Assurances, has a tip: “Be sure to build a well-documented file that includes photos and/or videos of your affected premises. Visit your insurer’s website to inform them of your loss. That can help speed up the claims process.”   

After flooding, it’s crisis management time. This phase consists of limiting the damage by emptying any flooded premises as much as possible, by removing standing water and by starting to clean up to avoid the development of mould and structural damage to your home. You also have a duty to mitigate, meaning you have to take reasonable steps to reduce the extent of your loss.  

Lastly, the reconstruction phase is when everything gets back to normal. It includes repairing or replacing damaged items as well as putting your property back in order. At this time, it may also be a good idea to review your property setup so you can be better prepared for future flooding.  

Renovations or small repairs can be carried out to reinforce a building’s structure to better handle natural disasters. You’ll increase the chances of having long-term sustainable protection by integrating more resistant materials or by updating your drainage system (e.g., using check valves, installing a catch basin with a pump releasing water out on the land in the event of a flood, etc.).  

1. Cleanup comes first

The Government of Canada recommends acting quickly after flooding happens. Make sure the hydro and gas lines are turned off and pump water out of the house. Then clean all surfaces and remove water-damaged furniture and materials to prevent contamination.  

You can hire a contractor at this point if work needs to be carried out like removing a floor, replacing drywall, etc. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) also has a mould prevention checklist you can consult and suggests precautions to take after flooding.   

2. Insurance claim and support programs

You must check your insurance coverage after experiencing a natural disaster before even thinking about undertaking any renovations. Knowing whether you’re covered for flood damage will help you effectively plan your next moves. There may be a steep repair bill so it’ll be helpful to have all your financial ducks in a row before making any decisions.  

Government support programs are usually introduced to provide assistance during a large-scale natural disaster. We saw that with the flooding that took place in the spring of 2017. As for the recent flooding on August 9, 2024, financial assistance may be available for certain people whose principal residence has been affected. The disaster is eligible for the program only if water enters the residence through sewer backup or infiltration, following flooding due to the overflow of a nearby watercourse. Head to the Government of Quebec website or call 1 888 643-2433 (AIDE).

Check with Sécurité publique du Québec to learn about financial assistance programs after a weather event. You can also seek help provided by the Red Cross in the event of a natural disaster or emergency in Quebec.  

What’s the timeframe for submitting a claim?

It’s important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible so they can note the damage. That way, you’ll know the extent of the work that needs to be done and what your coverage includes.  

Be aware that you should get in touch with your insurer after any natural disaster that may result in a claim.   

A spirit of solidarity is called for in this situation: everyone pitches in to help those affected. However, patience is also required because the administrative process can take time when authorities have to respond to such a large number of claims at once.  

What are some points to consider?

There are two common situations that can affect your insurance: river overflow and sewer backup. The first event (a river bursting its banks) causes flooding in basements and on main floors. A sewer backup happens when the sewer system is overwhelmed, causing water to back up into your home’s drains.  

These events may have different implications on your insurance. Generally speaking, a standard policy rarely covers damage from an overflowing watercourse (unless you have taken out specific coverage). On the other hand, a sewer backup must also be covered by specific protection. It’s essential to review your contract to understand what’s included.  

When you submit a claim, your insurer will send a claims adjuster to assess the damage. This person is responsible for examining the property and identifying any repairs that need to be done, which allows a cost estimate to be prepared.  

3. The post-disaster contractor

You are under no obligation to do business with the contractor recommended by your insurance company to renovate and rebuild your property.  

It’s in your best interest to get quotes for your post-disaster renovations to assess what each contractor can offer. Even if you don’t have to pay out of pocket, it’s always worthwhile to compare quotes as some may offer you more than others.