Floods can happen at any time of year, in both urban and rural areas. Rapidly melting snow, ice jams, high lake levels, and heavy rain can all contribute to flooding. 

Knowing about flood risks and how to prepare for them will help keep you safe and minimize damage to your property.

Before a flood

Prepare for a flood by creating an emergency preparedness plan and kit for you and your household.

Take steps to prevent flooding in your home
  • Extend downspouts at least 2 metres from your home to move water away from the building, where water can be easily absorbed such as your lawn or garden
  • Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and ground-level doors
  • Keep gutters and nearby storm drains clear of debris
  • Remove debris from water drainage systems such as weeping tile, culverts and ditches
  • Test sump pumps and install a back-up power system such as a battery back-up or generator. Test your back-up system regularly
  • Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home’s drains
  • Check your basement for signs of flooding and consider installing a water-sensing alarm system

Take steps to reduce flood damage
  • Store personal belongings and important documents in watertight containers on upper shelves or upper floors
  • Use flood resistant drywall and exterior doors to minimize water damage
  • Install electrical outlets higher on the walls of your ground floor to avoid water contact
  • Lift basement appliances off the ground with wood or cement blocks
  • Make sure basement drains are not blocked
  • Remove yard clutter that could present danger during flood event
  • Secure outdoor furniture and items on or around the shoreline

Check if you have overland flood insurance

Overland flooding happens when water from heavy rain or melting snow flows overground and enters your home. Overland flood insurance can protect you from the costs of flood damage, but it is not automatically included in home insurance policies. Check with your insurance provider to find out if your home is covered.

Monitor weather alerts

Monitor weather alerts from Environment Canada for current weather conditions and forecast.

During a flood

If you are told to evacuate by emergency officials, evacuate immediately. Staying in the area during an evacuation order can be dangerous for you, your family and first responders. If you evacuated your home, consult local media (TV/radio) or keep an eye on the Town's social media feeds to find out more information for a safe return. InnServices will issue notices to the public if municipal drinking water is considered unsafe to drink.

If an evacuation order is not in place, consider the following safety precautions.

If you are indoors

  • 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
  • Do not use taps, showers and toilets if your septic tank or the septic tank disposal field is under water

If you are outdoors

  • Don't drive or walk through floodwaters
  • Stay away from power lines that have fallen in the area
  • Keep children and pets away from flooded areas and contaminated items
  • Avoid travelling on roads that are near water, bridges, ravines, embankments, low laying areas and any bodies of water
  • If you are in your car and it begins to flood, get out of the car immediately and find higher ground

After a flood

If your home or property was damaged in a flood, the Town of Innisfil has collected a variety of tips and resources to help you respond and reduce the amount of damage.

Contact your insurance company

The first thing you should do after a flood is contact your insurance company to report any damage caused by the flooding. Your insurance company will advise you on how to proceed and make a flood claim through the Town, if appropriate.

Before you enter your house

Before returning home, please ensure it's safe with your local municipality, public health unit, utilities, and any other community officials. 

  • 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 service provider 
  • Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood waters
  • Report any broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities

If your property has been damaged

Basement flooding

Understand the different types of basement flooding.

Infiltration flooding

When soil around your home becomes saturated or when the ground water level rises higher than your basement, water can get into your basement through cracks in the foundation walls and floor. This is considered infiltration flooding.

Overland flooding

Overland flooding happens when water flows overland and enters your basement through windows, doors, vents and other openings. This could be due to improper grading, exposed window wells, extreme weather conditions or underground pipes.

Sewer backup flooding

Extreme weather events can overwhelm the town's sewer system, resulting in flooding. When this happens the water level in the system rises above the design levels. This condition is referred to as surcharge.