During and after flooding

Sudden storms can cause flooding and significant damage to your home or business. Learn how to protect your property and minimize damage during or after a storm.

During the summer months, rain storms in the Capital Region soak the city, often in a very short time period. The amount of fast-moving stormwater combined with any hail that may have fallen can impact sewer drains resulting in flooding.

Our Flood Prevention Program was set up to help address potential flooding issues, improve the sanitary and stormwater systems, and equip homeowners with the information and knowledge to make drainage and lot grading improvements.

If you live in Cloverdale, Riverdale or Rossdale, you can sign up for storm and river level alerts.

What to do if there's flooding in or near your home/business

Avoid using water during a rainstorm. The pressure on the system increases dramatically, sometimes pushing it to capacity. If you wash clothes or take a shower the water may have nowhere to go but to back up in your basement.
Ensure your eavestrough extensions are down to direct water away from their foundation.
Use caution when driving through underpasses during storms. The water levels in underpasses may cause vehicles to become partially submerged and/or stall.
Stay away from manhole covers that have been dislodged during a storm. Manhole covers are heavy and could cause injury.

When it is safe to do so, clean up and dry out your basement as quickly as possible. Some insurance companies may cover storm flood damage, check with your company immediately.
Call your insurance company as soon as possible. They'll advise you on clean-up and claims procedures. You are responsible for cleaning up and repairing your damaged property and your insurance company expects you to do what you can to minimize further damage.
Keep receipts for emergency repairs or cleanups and itemize damaged items. Take photos of damaged areas and items before you repair or discard items.
When it is safe to do so, salvage your belongings as soon as possible to prevent rotting, mildew and warping. Thoroughly clean and disinfect all rooms and contents reached by flood waters.
Dry out the area. To avoid mold development, ensure areas are well ventilated and are dried out as soon as possible. Open doors and windows and use air blowers to help this process. This could take several days.

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