Help your community be flood ready
On this page
As a community member, you and your neighbours can help reduce flood risks and ensure a quicker and less costly recovery if flooding occurs. Get informed, talk openly with your neighbours and stay updated on local flood-related programs. This collective effort creates a safer, flood ready community for all.
Start at home
Know your flood risk
- Review your insurance: Check whether your home or tenant insurance covers flood damage and make sure you have the coverage you need
- Community measures: Learn what your local government does to manage floods:
- municipal strategies
- nature-based infrastructure, such as bioswales and wetland restoration
- built infrastructure, such as dikes and stormwater retention ponds
Protect your home
- Learn about prevention: Find simple ways to reduce flood damage to your home
- Find local resources: Look for municipal, non-governmental organizations, and provincial or territorial programs that offer information and guidance
- Getting help: Search for rebates, grants, loans, or subsidies available from local governments and regional organizations to support property-level flood protection
- Professional help: Consider a property flood assessment by an inspector or specialist
Planning ahead
- Flood preparedness steps: Understand what to do before, during, and after a flood
Build a flood ready community
Many people in Canada may not be aware of their flood risk or know the best ways to protect their homes.
Building a flood-resilient community means that every person understands the risks and works together to keep everyone safe and informed.
Help everyone learn about flood risks and ways to protect their homes.
Everyday conversations
Bring up flood preparedness when chatting with neighbours—whether at the dog park, during yard work, or at community events.
Team effort
Work together to monitor and clear catch basins on your street to prevent water from pooling on streets and near homes, especially in spring and fall. Turn it into a learning opportunity with your family to talk about how stormwater travels from the street to nearby bodies of water.
Share information
Post or share up-to-date, reliable flood-related content on social media or neighbourhood newsletters.
Support community members
Some people you know, like neighbours, friends and relatives may be more vulnerable to flooding. This includes people living alone, those with mobility challenges and those with limited access to the Internet. You can help by checking in, sharing information about local flood risks, and helping them take practical actions to stay safe.
Insurance checks
Remind friends, family members and neighbours to review flood coverage with their insurance agents or brokers when choosing or renewing policies.
Community meetings
Include seasonal flood safety information, including prevention tips and programs offered by your local government or non-governmental organizations, on meeting agendas or community newsletters.
Start the conversation
Talking about flood safety helps everyone learn from each other. This can motivate your community to do their part.
Here are some conversation starters:
If you're new to the area:
- Have you ever experienced a flood here?
- What do you do to protect your home from flood damage?
- When have floods been most common in this neighbourhood?
- What do you know about this area's flood history?
Ask long-time neighbours:
- Do you have flood insurance?
Sharing ideas and helping out:
- What methods work best to prevent flood damage?
- Have you hired anyone to make your home flood ready, and who would you recommend?
- Are you aware of any financial support offered by our local government that can help you with the cost of doing this work on your home?
- Are you experiencing any challenges while you are taking steps to protect your home? What could help remove some barriers?
- Do you know anyone else who might need support preparing for a flood?
Other topics to discuss:
- What to do if a flood is imminent or happening
- Whether you have a household emergency kit and plan
- Other hazards that might lead to floods
Stay informed
Keep up with the news so you can act fast:
- Weather alerts
- Sign up for weather alert services to receive warnings and advisories about floods.
- Trusted sources
- Follow updates from provincial, territorial, and local emergency management officials, TV news, radio stations, and dedicated websites.
- Social media
- Follow accounts such as X (@Safety_Canada and @Get_Prepared) and Facebook (@EmergencyReadyinCanada) for ongoing tips and updates.