Home Flood Protection Tips

You can protect your home with these simple steps to cost effective home flood protection:

  • Maintain what you’ve got at least twice per year (do it yourself, cost $0):

    • Remove debris from nearest storm drain, ditch, or culvert.
    • Clean out eaves troughs
    • Check for leaks in plumbing, fixtures, and appliances
    • Test your sump pump
    • Clean out your backwater valve
  • Complete Simple Upgrades (Do-it-yourself for under $250):

    • Install window well covers (where fire escape requirements permit)
    • Extend downspouts and sump discharge pipes at least 2m from foundation
    • Store valuables and hazardous materials in watertight containers and secure fuel tanks
    • Remove obstructions to floor drains
    • Install and maintain flood alarm
  • Complete more complex upgrades (Work with a contractor for over $250):

    • Install window wells that sit 10-15 cm above ground
    • Upgrade to water resistant windows
    • Disconnect downspouts and extend downspouts to direct water at least 2m from foundation
    • Correct grading to direct water at least 2m away from foundation
    • Install backwater valve
    • Install backup sump pump and battery

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Clare Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“Clare Mutual”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Clare Mutual. By providing this information to you, Clare Mutual does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.