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Floods

Heavy rain, snow melt, and storm surge can flood homes. Know your flood risk and stay out of rising water.

Risk Tier B Reviewed: verified on 2026-11-01

How floods happen

Floods in Canada are caused by heavy rainfall, melting snow, ice jams in rivers, or coastal storm surges. Floods can occur at any time of year. Most of Canada's population lives in areas at risk of flooding, including about 80 percent of major Canadian cities located wholly or partially in flood zones.

BEFORE flood season: Prepare your home to survive flooding

Know your utilities

  • Learn how to turn off electricity and gas in your home before an emergency
  • Know where your main water shut-off valve is located
  • Practice turning off utilities so you can do it quickly if water is rising

Protect your home from water

  • Grade soil away from your home's foundation to reduce water accumulation
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clear and ensure downspouts drain away from your foundation
  • Seal basement windows and doors with weather protection sealant
  • Consider installing a sump pump if you have a basement and test it regularly
  • Keep important documents at a higher level in your home to protect them from water damage

Store supplies and documents

  • Stock your emergency kit with bottled water (tap water will be contaminated after floods)
  • Make copies of important documents (insurance policies, ID) or store them digitally and in cloud backup
  • Keep insurance copies outside your home so they survive flooding
  • Have pet carriers, leashes, and supplies ready to evacuate with your animals

DURING flood warning: Protect your home, then evacuate if ordered

If water is rising near your home

  • Turn off electricity at the main switch if water is near electrical equipment
  • Do NOT use electrical appliances while water is present (electrocution risk)
  • Close interior doors to contain water to specific rooms
  • Move to an upper floor if water enters your home

Follow water safety rules

  • Do not drive through flood waters — the water may be deeper than it looks and your vehicle can be swept away
  • Avoid crossing flooded bridges if water is close to or touching the ceiling
  • Do not walk through floodwaters — stay on high ground
  • If trapped in a vehicle in flood water, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground

If ordered to evacuate

  • Leave immediately with your go-bag, family, and pets
  • Follow official evacuation routes — do not take shortcuts
  • Go to the evacuation centre authorities specify

AFTER a flood

Before entering your home

  • Do NOT return home until authorities declare it safe
  • Do not enter if the electrical main was not turned off before flooding — wait for a qualified electrician to verify it is safe

Clean up carefully

  • Wear gloves, boots, and a respiratory mask to protect against contaminated water and mold
  • Clean up within 48 hours to avoid mold growth
  • Remove soaked drywall and insulation where mold can grow quickly
  • Dry the home completely by opening windows and using fans

Safety after cleanup

  • Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical systems before using them
  • Do not use well water until a certified contractor inspects the well and your local health authority approves
  • Use bottled water for drinking and cooking if a boil-water advisory is issued
  • Wash hands frequently since flood waters carry disease

Key reminders

  • Obey evacuation orders immediately — they are issued for your safety
  • Never drive or walk through flood waters — water can sweep away vehicles and people
  • Turn off utilities immediately if flooding is approaching your home
  • Clean up within 48 hours to prevent mold growth
  • Do not re-enter your home until authorities declare it safe