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Inspect the sensitive points of the dwelling and prepare the documents and departure, without guarantee of universal protection.
Understand the risk and its consequences
Floods, heavy rains and backflows do not cause the same damage and do not require the same work. An inspection can identify what needs professional intervention and the measures to be prepared before the water.
Consult the map applicable to your property, municipal information and your insurer. A protective device does not eliminate all risks. Evacuation instructions and electrical safety take precedence over the protection of property.
Essential Lessons for Quebecers
Lesson 1: Floods can occur quickly, even in May
Flooding can occur in the spring or during heavy rains at other times. Inspect gutters, drains, and moisture signs before an event; don’t limit your preparation to a fixed annual window.
Lesson 2: Travel can be inevitable even with few deaths
Prepare a family departure, a transport solution and possible accommodation. Check the availability of the location and plan an alternative.
Lesson 3: Absence of Death Does Not Mean Damage
The absence of death on a balance sheet alone does not provide information on the losses and needs of those affected. Prepare insurance documents and personal needs without minimizing the consequences.
Remember: prepare people, documents and access to information. Have useful work evaluated and do not expose yourself to save property.
Reflexes to adopt in the face of this type of disaster
- Check out WeatherCAN and municipal alerts. Identify sources for your address and keep a battery-powered radio for local stations.
- Agree on accessible meeting points away from danger and outside contact. A school or community centre is not automatically open; follow the instructions for children.
- Prepare essential documents, contacts, medications according to the pharmacist’s instructions and clothes. Keep an inventory of assets and a protected copy of documents.
- Have cracks, drainage and anti-refoulement devices evaluated by the appropriate professionals. Their installation and maintenance must comply with the applicable rules. No universal percentage of risk reduction can be guaranteed.
- Check with each person for gestures, help and planned communications. Adapt the plan to children and people in need of assistance rather than requiring perfect memorization.
Get ready now
Actions to be organized according to the priorities of the household :
- Write down municipal contact information and official sources of information for flooding.
- Inspect safe accessible points, photograph anomalies, and request an assessment of the work required.
- Prepare inventory and insurance contact information. Protect digital copies and keep an accessible solution out of the home.
- Discuss departure, transportation, animals and people to help. Gather essential needs and check their access.
Frequently asked questions
Am I really at risk of flooding in Quebec in May-June?
The risk depends on the location, the building and the cause of the water supply. Consult the applicable official map and the municipality or MRC; the absence of classification does not guarantee the absence of water damage.
Does my home insurance cover flooding?
Coverage depends on the contract and the cause of the loss. Have the endorsements, exclusions, ceilings and deductibles specified. A generic annual price does not allow to know the cost of your protection.
What should I do if a flood alert is issued for my area?
Follow the instructions and prepare for departure. Do not touch an electrical panel if the ground is wet or if you are in the water; involve the competent officials. Never take a flooded road. Call 911 in case of immediate danger.
Flooding can occur in the spring or during heavy rains at other times. Inspect gutters, drains, and moisture signs before an event; don’t limit your preparation to a fixed annual window.
Sources and Updates
Document verification: November 3, 2026. The official instructions in force in your area take precedence in real situations.