When flooding occurs in your neighbourhood and home, it can wreak havoc on your personal belongings and indoor living space. As a homeowner, protecting your investment is paramount, especially if you live in an area where flood events are common.
So, how exactly can you minimize flooding in your home and what insurance policies are available to ensure your interests and finances are protected? To learn more about how to prevent flood damage in your home, keep reading.
What are the most common causes of flood damage in homes?
In reality, there are numerous causes that could lead to flood damage in your home. In order to protect your home, it's important that you know what these causes are, so you can make a flood risk management plan with you and your household. Here are some of the most common risks of flooding you may face in your home:
Heavy rainfall
With climate change, heavy rainfall in certain areas across Canada is becoming more prevalent. When this occurs, the excess water can overwhelm city drainage systems, which can not only cause flash flooding but also lead to basement flooding in homes that do not have a sump pump installed.
Storm surges
With severe winds and stormy weather, coastal flooding is common as large volumes of water are pushed onto nearby land, leading to flooding in homes located in the area.
Sewer system backups
Excess water and poorly maintained sewer lines can lead to flood damage in your home as the water backs up through your drainage system and into your living space.
A damaged drainage system
Things like broken pipes, leaking drainage systems, and other damages to your home's plumbing can cause structural damage throughout your home and water-log your personal belongings.
Leaking roof
If your home's roof is poorly maintained or older, water damage can occur over time, especially during heavy rainfall periods.
Clogged storm drains
If your storm drains are clogged with fallen leaves, sticks, mud, and other debris, the water collected during the winter months will have nowhere to go. As a result, the water can back up and leak into the porous pavement and lead to cracks in your foundation walls.
Melting snow
Rapid snow melts or ice can increase river levels in the early spring, which in turn, with heavy rainfall, can impact flood-prone areas significantly as the water pools over the river bank and into the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Living close to natural waterways
As we touched upon, those living in flood hazard areas typically live closer to mountains or natural lakes and rivers. Because of this, heavy rainfall, melting snow and ice, and other natural processes can increase flood levels and put homes in the area at risk of property damage.
How can I reduce the impact of flooding?
To prevent and minimize property damage in your home from a flood event or other common cause listed above, flood risk management is essential. By planning for flood damage ahead of time, you can reduce flood risk in your home and have peace of mind knowing that you and your investment are protected. Here's what you can do:
Install a sump pump
To reduce flood risk in your home, consider installing a sump pump in your basement or crawlspace. Sump pumps are designed to remove excess rainfall that accumulates during storms by collecting it in a sump pit before draining it away from your property. Sump pumps are especially beneficial in areas where the risk of flooding is heightened throughout the year.
Install a backwater valve
Another device that you may find beneficial is a backwater valve. A backwater valve is a type of one-way valve that is connected directly to your sewer lines. As the valve detects backflow from your sewage system, it automatically closes, preventing sewage water from backing up into your home during a flood.
This is another essential device for homes in low-lying areas or in any of the Great Lakes in Canada.
Regular maintenance on your plumbing system
Having a licensed plumber conduct maintenance on your home's plumbing system is often an overlooked task by homeowners. Realistically, you should book an appointment for your plumbing at least once every year to keep it in good working condition for as long as possible.
Plumbing and drainage that have been neglected over the years can lead to cracks, burst pipes, clogs, and other problems that will increase the flood risk in your home. So, remember to schedule annual inspections, contact a reputable plumber in your area for prompt repairs, and be mindful of the items you're flushing down your drains.
Install flood detection systems
If you live in an area with heightened flood risk, installing a flood detection system that sends out a flood alert when flood levels in your area increase is a good idea. These systems provide you with early warnings of potential flood risk, which ultimately allows you to take action quickly, making a world of difference for your loved ones, home, and personal belongings.
Clean debris from your storm drains
Regularly clean debris like fallen leaves, dirt, branches, and other items from your home's storm drains to ensure that water can flow away from your property correctly rather than pool and leak into your foundation. We recommend that you clean your storm drains regularly, especially before a storm in your area, to prevent a flood risk in your home to allow water to flow through your gutters and into your downspouts.
Invest in basement waterproofing
If you are financially able and want to substantially reduce the risk of flooding in your home, investing in basement waterproofing is a great way to protect your foundation walls and keep your basement dry.
Waterproofing your basement involves sealing any cracks, installing moisture barriers along your exterior foundation wall, and improving the drainage systems throughout your home to prevent water from seeping inside during a flood. Property owners investing in basement waterproofing typically opt to install a sump pump and backwater valve as well to prevent a flood risk indoors.
Keep sandbags nearby
To prevent flooding from reaching your home, keep sandbags nearby and handy if you live in vulnerable areas in Canada where floodwater surges are common. We recommend storing them in your garage or another easily accessible place on your property.
Ultimately, sandbags act as a temporary barrier between your home and the flooding. It also works to divert flood waters away from any entry points throughout your property, such as doors, garages, and basement windows.
Create emergency plans
Pre-planned emergency measures are also highly recommended in areas prone to flooding throughout the year. Your flooding plan should include the steps you and your loved ones need to take before, during, and after a flood occurs. Once you have created your plan, you'll need to make sure that everyone knows how to respond during a flood and where the emergency plan is kept on your property.
Other important items you should collect for your emergency flood plan include copies of important documents, a list of emergency contacts, and instructions that outline how to shut off the electricity and main water line in your home.
By taking the steps listed above and other measures, you and your loved ones can have peace of mind knowing your home and belongings are safe during flooding in your area. These tips can also help protect you from having to file a personal insurance claim for damages resulting from flooding in your home.
Safeguard your home from floods with the right insurance coverage! Discover effective flood prevention tips and connect with BrokerLink to protect your home today.
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Flood risk management with high-quality home insurance
Beyond the flood control measures we've outlined for you just now, if you own a home in Canada, having the right home flood insurance can help protect you from having to pay for repairs and replacements of your personal belongings that are damaged by flood water.
While home insurance is not mandated by law in Canada, it can serve as a safety blanket for homeowners when faced with the unthinkable. With preventative home insurance claims on the rise, here is what you can expect your insurance to cover:
Physical damage to your home and personal belongings
Home insurance is meant to protect the physical structure of your home, including your floors, walls, roof, appliances, personal belongings, and more, from insured perils. Common perils included in basic home insurance policies are fire damage, vandalism, windstorms, and fallen objects that cause damage.
It's important to note that most basic insurance policies do not cover water damage. You will need to purchase additional coverage or have a separate sewer backup insurance policy.
Third-party liability coverage
Another essential aspect of home insurance is third-party liability coverage. The third-party liability portion of your insurance protects you in the event someone is injured on your property or if you cause property damage to a third party. For example, if a tree falls from your yard and into your neighbours, causing damage to their shed.
With this insurance policy, you won't be responsible for paying out of pocket for any repairs, medical expenses, or lawyer fees in the event a third party sues you for damages. Similar to car insurance, as the policyholder, you'll be able to choose your policy limits based on your needs.
Additional living expenses
In the event that your home is no longer safe to live in following an insured event that is listed in your policy, this portion of your home insurance will cover additional living expenses acquired during the time you are unable to live in your home. This includes costs for accommodations, food, and any other expenses incurred during this time.
Secondary dwellings coverage
If you have a secondary dwelling on your property, such as a detached garage or shed, you will be covered in the event that it suffers damage due to an insured peril that is listed in your policy. This includes fire, wind damage, vandalism, theft, and more, depending on your policy and insurance company.
Additional coverage options
Beyond basic home insurance, there are numerous different coverage options that homeowners can add to their portfolio for additional protection against various perils. Here's a closer look at what you may want to consider when purchasing your own home insurance:
Sewer backup insurance
Sewer backup insurance protects you if water damage is caused by the backup of water or sewage from drains, pipes, or sump pumps entering your home. Sewer backups can happen to anyone and often result from overwhelmed public sewers, clogs, and an increase in flood water in the area.
Should you experience water damage in your home as a result of a sewer backup, your insurance policy will cover the cost of repairing and replacing any compromised walls, flooring, furniture, personal belongings, devices, appliances, and more. It will also cover the cost of cleaning and disinfecting your items after the fact.
If you experience flood season in your area, this insurance policy is highly recommended and can help you save hundreds to thousands of dollars in potential repair and replacement costs.
Flood water insurance
Another imperative insurance policy for homeowners living in areas where flood season is common is overland or flood water insurance. This insurance provides coverage to the policyholder in the event the physical structure of their home or personal belongings is damaged as a result of overland flooding from nearby lakes, rivers, or heavy rain.
Note that rising water levels are not often included in homeowners insurance. We recommend speaking with your specific insurance company for more information about whether increasing water levels are included in your specific policy. Do you need to review your home insurance policy? Contact BrokerLink for assistance today.
What to do if you have flood damage in your home
In the unfortunate event that you experience flood damage in your home, the key is to act quickly to improve your chances of minimizing damages. Here is what you need to do:
Turn off your gas line and electricity
The first thing you need to do to ensure you and your loved ones are safe is shut off the main gas line and electricity in your home. However, if the water level in your home is near your outlets, immediately evacuate your home as you could be electrocuted when coming into contact with the water.
Evacuate the area if needed
If the flooding in your home and area is severe, it's essential that you and your family evacuate the area and get to higher ground as soon as possible. Severe flooding can increase water levels quickly and contain raw sewage and other contaminants that can put your health and safety at risk. To prevent exposure to raw sewage, do not enter areas of your home where standing water exists.
Take photos to document damage
Another important step you need to take as a homeowner is documenting the evidence of damage. Take as many photos and videos you can throughout the areas in your home that are damaged, if it is safe to do so. Photo and video evidence will play a significant role in your insurance claim and can help speed up the process moving forward.
Additionally, we recommend making an inventory list of your belongings and areas of your home that have suffered water damage, as it can also help with your insurance claim.
Notify your insurance company
Once you have gotten to a safer area, it's now time to contact your home insurance company and start an insurance claim. During this time, an insurance agent will ask you to provide details about the incident, including the video and photo evidence you have taken.
The insurance agent will also be able to inform you about the next steps in the claims process. They may also help you schedule a time for an adjuster to come to your property and conduct an assessment of the damage. After the damage has been inspected by an adjuster assigned to your claim, you can then move forward with getting repair and restoration companies to your property.
We recommend keeping an open line of communication with your adjuster throughout the process, as it can help speed things along for you and get you back in your home in no time.
Contact a restoration company
As it is likely that your home and belongings have come into contact with water, having a restoration company come to your home as quickly as possible can help prevent mould and mildew growth from spreading throughout your interior and causing more damage.
A professional team can also ensure your items and the physical structure of your home are properly dried, remove any mould and mildew growth that has developed in your interior, and make sure that your living space is properly sanitized.
While your home is being restored, it is recommended that you book accommodations elsewhere, as your home will not be habitable for the time being. Your partnered restoration company will inform you when it is safe to move back into your property.
With your homeowners insurance, your additional living expenses will be paid for by your policy. To ensure that you are reimbursed for your accommodations, food, and other incurred expenses, make sure to keep your receipts and submit them to your insurance claim adjuster.
Get home insurance with BrokerLink
Whether you need high-value home insurance, mobile home insurance, or other types of insurance, the experienced brokers from BrokerLink are here to make it happen.
With locations across Canada, there's a chance we may be in your neighbourhood. If you're in the area, don't hesitate to visit to speak with a broker face-to-face. Not able to make it in? Don't worry; you can also give us a call to speak with someone over the phone. Alternatively, you can use our online quote tool to get a competitive insurance quote right from your phone. For home insurance advice you can count on, contact BrokerLink today!
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Flood prevention FAQs
How can I avoid floods entirely?
While you can't prevent floods altogether, understanding the common causes of flooding in your home and area can help you plan accordingly in case of an emergency. Having a plan in place that your entire household is aware of and ensuring your home is adequately prepared can make a world of difference in terms of how much water damage is caused in your home. It's also worth having a homeowners insurance policy in place to ensure that you are not required to pay for damages out of your own pocket.
How can you tell if you live in flood-prone areas?
To check if you live in a flood prone area in Canada a valuable resource that is available online are flood risk maps. These maps are often used by developers looking for new construction opportunities but can also be helpful to existing homeowners. If you're planning to move homes in the future, make sure to do a quick online search using these risk maps for a better idea about the area you are looking to buy in.
How can I prevent floods?
To prevent floods in your home, you may want to consider installing a sump pump and backwater valve in addition to investing in a basement waterproofing service. It's also important that you maintain your plumbing system over the years and have an emergency plan in place in the event that flooding in your area occurs.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
