Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is urging homeowners and drivers in Ontario to prepare for possible flooding and water damage as Environment Canada forecasts significant rainfall for parts of southwestern and south-central Ontario on Thursday.
IBC said the combination of heavy rain, an existing snowpack and frozen ground increases the risk of localized flooding, particularly for homes and basements where water has limited avenues to drain.
“The combination of significant rainfall, an existing snowpack and frozen ground creates a heightened risk of localized flooding, including potential impacts to homes and basements,” said Amanda Dean, vice president, Ontario and Atlantic, IBC. “It is important that residents take the necessary precautions to help protect their properties and minimize potential damage. By taking a few practical steps, we can better safeguard our homes, cars and businesses.”
IBC is advising residents to focus on basic loss-prevention measures around the home and on the road.
Homeowners are encouraged to keep all floor drains inside the home and storm sewer grates on the street clear of debris so water can flow freely. Downspouts should be checked to ensure they are not blocked and that they direct water away from foundations to help reduce the risk of basement flooding and ice damming on roofs.
Valuable items should be moved out of basements to higher levels in the home. For those with sump pumps, IBC recommended confirming that the pump is working properly and has a backup power source in case of an outage.
During periods of heavy rain, limiting household water use — including dishwashers and washing machines — can help avoid overloading local water and sewer systems. Some homeowners may also choose to use rain barrels to help manage excess rainwater around their property.
If flooding appears imminent and it is safe to do so, IBC advised switching off electricity to areas of the home that may be affected and using sandbags, flood shields or temporary barriers to keep water from entering through basement windows and doors. Large appliances, electrical panels, furnaces and hot water heaters should ideally be raised off basement floors in advance by professionals; if flooding is imminent, anchoring and shielding these items may help reduce damage.
For those who are away from home, IBC recommended arranging for a trusted neighbor or friend to check the property regularly, inside and out. Drivers are also being reminded to adjust their driving to the conditions and to avoid traveling on flooded roads.
IBC is also reminding policyholders that not all forms of water damage are treated the same under home and auto policies, and many protections are optional.
Water damage in a basement caused by sewer backup is generally covered only if the policyholder has purchased optional sewer backup coverage. Overland flood damage is covered only under specific, optional overland flood endorsements, which may not be available in known flood plains or high-risk areas.
Ice damming, where melting snow refreezes at the roof edge and forces water into the home, is often covered for sudden and accidental damage under standard homeowners policies, but long-term or repeated issues may be treated as maintenance problems and excluded. Interior water damage from a sudden roof leak is typically covered, but repair or replacement of a worn or poorly maintained roof is not.
Home and business policies generally do not cover coastal flooding or storm surge. By contrast, damage from wind, including damage from flying debris or falling branches and trees, and water entering through openings created by a storm, is usually covered. In some circumstances, homeowners who cannot return to their property due to insured damage may be entitled to additional living expenses.
On the auto side, damage to vehicles from wind and related events is usually covered only if the owner has purchased comprehensive or all perils coverage. These coverages are not mandatory, so IBC is advising drivers to review their policies.
IBC said anyone with questions about their individual coverage should contact their insurance representative to confirm what is and is not covered before a loss occurs.
