FLOODING: What to do to protect yourself in this flood crisis in southern Quebec

FLOODING: What to do to protect yourself in this flood crisis in southern Quebec?

Here is our list of precautions and actions to take spring thaws season in Quebec. Protection and waterproofing for you and your home.

PREVENTION

• Use the Geo-Floods interactive map to find out if you live in a risky area, view your location history, and find out what authorities are doing in real time. https://geoinondations.gouv.qc.ca/  
• Visit the website and social networks of your municipality and the Sécurité Publique du Québec to be on the lookout for warnings. 
  • Laval : https://www.laval.ca/Pages/En/Citizens/spring-flooding-and-floods.aspx
  • Montréal : http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=9657,125799570&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
  • Sécurité Publique du Québec : https://www.securitepublique.gouv.qc.ca/en.html
  • Sécurité Publique du Québec / Inondations : https://www.securitepublique.gouv.qc.ca/en/civil-protection/floods-information-citizens.html
  • Croix Rouge : https://www.redcross.ca/
• Have your basement inspected before the risky period
  • If there are organic materials (wood, carpets, gyproc), water and moisture will mold and rot your building materials. There are basement waterproofing and finishing solutions that are water resistant.
  • Have a battery backup sump pump system installed to protect you in the event of a power failure.
  • Do not store valuables, precious objects and irreplaceable items such as jewelry, money, photos and important documents in the basement.
    • Keep a copy of all your documents online in a cloud by using services such as Google, iCloud, Dropbox, etc.

DURING THE CRISIS

• Protect yourself before protecting your home. Do not do anything that will put you at risk and harm you.
• Move your essentials to the upper floors and unplug electronics. Do not touch electrical appliances if you are wet. Visit the HydroQuebec website for more info : https://www.hydroquebec.com/safety/house/flooding-electrical-safety.html
• Do not walk or drive in flooded areas, especially if the water is moving.
• Inform the firefighters that you have been flooded.
• Listen to the safety instructions and evacuate your home if it is advisable.
• Listen to the news on radio or television to stay informed.
• Seek assistance from your municipality to get the help you need to protect yourself and your home.

AFTER THE CRISIS

• Return home if the authorities deem it safe and document the damages.
• Do not reconnect electricity and heating systems without the approval of an electrician or specialist.
• Clean up everything that has been touched by the water. Pay special attention to the presence of mold.
• Consider waterproofing your basement for the next spring thaw and flood. An interior drainage system, French drain, sump pumps and dehumidifier will be of great help.

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