Flooding

Review your insurance policy every year when it renews. 

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Over time, the products or your eligibility may have changed. Recovering from a flood is costly, but having adequate insurance can help.

Contact your insurance agent to learn about the various coverages that are offered and if you are eligible. 

• Damage from water is not generally covered by standard home or tenant insurance policies, but this type of coverage can be included by several insurers as an additional add-on. 
• Shop around and check with several companies or insurance brokers to compare the coverage limits, exclusionary language, deductibles, and premiums for various insurance policies. 

Are all properties eligible for flood insurance? 

• Due to the changing nature of climate change, some insurance companies are opting to not cover damage from things like flooding. You can shop around with different companies as not all insurance companies offer the same products or calculate risks the same way. 
• You can also ask what measures you can take on your property to become eligible for flood insurance coverage.

It is recommended to remove valuables and important documents out of your basement.

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If it is priceless, sentimental, or cannot be replaces, it is a good idea to move the items above ground or at least into a watertight container to avoid potential water damage.

Clean your eavestroughs, downspouts and gutters of debris. 

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Remember to clear leaves, pine needles, etc. so rainwater stays in the eavestrough and doesn't run down the side of your home and into your basement. If you are unable or uncomfortable to do this cleaning, there are many companies that can perform this service for you. If you have ice damming on your roof, it is recommended to hire a professional to remove it so that water can flow properly and avoid any damage to your house. 

Direct rainwater away from your home. 

Eavestroughs and extensions should drain away from your home and onto a landscaped area so the water can soak into the ground. It is important that the water is not directed toward your neighbour's property or onto township streets or sidewalks. The excess water can damage roads and sidewalks and could increase the chances of flooding in your community. 

Check the storm drains and catch basins in the street near your home. 

The Township of Tiny maintains hundreds of storm drains and catch basins, but cannot check them all. If it is safe and possible, clear snow, ice, or debris like leaves and sticks away from the drain. If you notice that the drain is blocked, please contact the Public Works department to report it. 

Check your sump pump for leaks or damage and ensure it is in good working order. 

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Remember that if there is a power outage, your sump pump will not work. Consider having a battery or generator back-up to ensure water does not overflow into your home. 

Tip: sometimes after a cold winter season, your sump pump may not have run for several months. When water starts to run outside, check and make sure your sump pump turns on. You may need to manually trigger your sump pump a few times, especially if it has not run for awhile to ensure it is working. 

In an emergency, you can use a wet and dry shop vacuum to remove water temporarily until you can get the sump pump fixed. 

Locate the shut-offs for your utility services. 

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This includes power, gas, and water, and electrical and gas appliances. Knowing how to turn them off safely may reduce damage to your property if you are directed to evacuate your home. 

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• Make sure necessary personal items (medications and important documents) are secured and easily accessible in case you need to evacuate.
• Disconnect electrical appliances — do not touch electrical equipment or turn off appliances if they are wet or standing in water.
• Move small appliances and furniture to upper floors or areas unlikely to be flooded.
• Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood water.
• Ensure your cellphone is charged (safely) — it may be your only means of communication during an evacuation.
• Do not use taps, showers and toilets if your septic tank or the septic tank disposal field is under water.
• Remove toxic substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood area to prevent them from spilling.

• If your property is impacted by flooding:
  • leave the area immediately if your electricity is on
  • follow your emergency plan and move to a safe place on higher ground.
• Avoid travelling on roads that are near water, bridges, ravines, embankments, low laying areas and any bodies of water.
• Do not drive through, stand, or walk in any moving water.
• If you are in your car and it begins to flood, get out of the car immediately and find higher ground.
• Account for all members of your household, keeping children and pets away from flood water.

If you were evacuated, before returning home, check for any information from your public health units, utilities, police, and other community officials who are working to keep you and your family safe.

• Do not enter a building where the walls or floors are visibly buckled.
• Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse breaker panels until they have been checked by your local authority.
• Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood waters.
• Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities.

• Contact your insurance company for claims information before you clean up.
• Take safety precautions during cleanup and watch for signs of mould.
• Check if you need permits to rebuild or restore your property with our Building Department at 705-526-4204.
• Check to see if you may be eligible for provincial assistance.