What Residents Can Do to Limit Floods and Flood Damage

On Friday July 24, 2009, a major rainfall dropped significant rain across the city. While localized records are not available for the west end, some pockets of the City received over 100mm of rain. The heavy rain exceeded the system’s normal operating capacity, and led to localized street flooding and sewer backups in 25 different clusters around the City, predominantly in the Stittsville and Kanata, areas which were built before current design standards were in place.

Residents can help prevent basement flooding – and reduce the negative effects of flood damage – with a few simple changes around the home.

Tips to protect home and property from flooding and flood damage

  • Slope ground away from the foundation to allow rainwater to flow away from the home.
  • Seal window wells and cracks in floors, walls and the foundation.
  • Have downspouts from eavestroughs direct water at least 1.2 metres away from the foundation or into a rain barrel. Downspouts should never be imbedded in the ground, or connected to the sewer system or footing drains.
  • Ensure footing drains direct water to the storm sewer or sump pump, away from the foundation. Footing drains should not be connected to the sanitary sewer system.
  • Ensure the sump pump is connected to the storm sewer system or empties onto the lawn at least 1.2 metres from the foundation wall.
  • Ensure water run-off on the property is flowing to the ground surface or storm drainage system, not the sanitary system.
  • Install protective plumbing devices (such as backwater valves) that protect against sewer backups, and inspect them regularly.
  • Seal and tighten cleanout caps and backwater valve caps.
  • Ensure service pipes between the municipal sewer main and the house are in good operating condition.
  • Do not keep valuables or important documents in the basement; otherwise protect them in water tight or water resistant containers.
  • Prepare an emergency survival kit that includes food, water and medical supplies in an easy-to-carry container. Pack a battery-powered radio and spare batteries, as well as the following items:
    • flashlight with spare batteries;
    • warm clothing, including waterproof outer garments and footwear;
    • blankets;
    • all necessary medications;
    • infant care items;
    • personal toiletries;
    • identification for each member of the household; and important personal and family documents.

Claims

A resident can submit a claim for flood damage to the City’s Claims Unit, regardless of whether the resident has insurance or not. More information is available at “How to submit a claim”

The notice of claim must be in writing and contain the following information:

  • name, address and telephone number of the person making the claim;
  • date, location and approximate time of the incident giving rise to the claim;
  • apparent cause of the damage suffered (to the extent it is known);
  • nature of damaged suffered (i.e. personal injury, property damage, loss or property, expenses incurred etc.); and
  • date of claim or notification.

Correspondence may be submitted as follows:
Mail: City of Ottawa
Legal Services, Claims Unit
110 Laurier Avenue West

Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1
Tel: 613-580-2655
Email: claims@ottawa.ca
Fax: 613-580-2654
CON045869