Flooding in Ottawa’s West EndInformation for ResidentsWhere do I get more information? Q: Where do I get more information?A: Day or night, you can also go to ottawa.ca or call 3-1-1 for general information related to the flood. Call the Application Screening Unit (ASU) if you are having difficulty covering the cost of rent, utilities, or food. The ASU takes calls from 8:45 to 4:00 Monday to Friday. You can also call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744, for health-related information or if you have health concerns. Q: I do not have access to a computer, where can I go to get web access for more information to help my situation?A: Local libraries and other facilities have public computer access sites. Locations in the area where you can access a computer are: Hazeldean Library Branch Home Clean-upQ: Where do I get information about cleaning up my home after the flood?A: The City of Ottawa has two pamphlets with all the information you need. These materials have been distributed to homes in the affected neighbourhoods. If your sewer backs up...or your basement floods...
Homeowner's guide to sewer surcharging clean-up This same information is available on ottawa.ca or by calling 3-1-1. Emergency Social Services (Shelter, food, clothing, financial assistance)Q: I can’t stay in my home as a result of the flood, what should I do? I need financial assistance, what should I do?A: City residents who are in immediate financial need for food, rent, medical, employment or other essential reasons should call 613-560-6000 from 8:45 to 4:00 Monday to Friday. These applications will be fast tracked and assessed for emergency assistance for, urgent needs related to the flood e.g. rent, groceries. Staff are in place to quickly respond to an anticipated increase in the number of people applying for financial assistance. Q: What is the application process?A: There are two parts to the application process, a telephone interview, followed by an appointment at one of the City’s Employment and Financial Assistance Centres. If travel to the office is not possible, staff can meet with you at an alternate convenient location. Q: What questions will I be asked?A: You will be asked for identification for you and your family members and to provide information about your income, assets, housing costs and work history/income. Q: Can people with any type of income apply?A: Yes. Staff will ask you about the source and amount of your income and they will ask you questions about your circumstances and your needs. Q: How long will I have to wait?A: If you have an emergency need for food, rent, or other essential reasons, your application will be fast-tracked and prioritized based on need. Benefits will be granted within one to three days. Q: How much can I receive?A: It depends on your family size and your need, and on whether you are eligible for ongoing monthly Ontario Works benefits or for a one-time emergency assistance payment. Q: Will I have to repay the money?A: No, you will not. Q: Should I call 613-560-6000 if I am already receiving help from Ontario Works, ODSP or the City’s Essential Health and Social Supports Program?A: No, you should contact your worker to explain your situation and see if there is extra help available. Q: How do I go about getting compensation for the damage to my home and belongings?A: Residents should contact their insurance company who will properly document their claim. Insurance companies may decide to submit claims to the City on behalf of residents. The City will complete a thorough investigation into the cause of the damage, which will include an assessment of whether the City has any legal liability. A resident can submit a claim to the City’s Claims Unit, regardless of whether the resident has insurance or not. The process is available at “How to submit a claim”: In order to submit a claim to the City, the notice of claim should be in writing (as required by statute) and contain the following information:
Correspondence may be submitted to our office as follows:Mail: City of Ottawa Email: claims@ottawa.ca Fax: 613-580-2654 If you have any questions, please contact the City’s general claims line at 613-580-2655 or e-mail at claims@ottawa.ca.Personal Health ProtectionQ: What can I do to prevent getting sick while cleaning up?A: When cleaning up flood and sewer back-up affected areas: Wear protective clothing to prevent getting sick from bacteria and viruses that may be present in standing water. Wear clothes that are easily washable, rubber gloves, protective eyeglasses, rubber boots and a facemask. Open up windows or use a fan to circulate the air and allow fresh air in. Throw out canned goods and other foods that may have been affected by floodwaters. Discard any food that has an obvious strange colour or odour. Take care of yourself – take the time to eat and take small breaks to recharge. Q: What are the health risks of cleaning up after a flood or sewer back-up?A: Direct contact with floodwaters or inadvertently ingesting any disease causing organism may result in the development of a gastrointestinal illness. This is why wearing protective clothing during clean-up is so important and will prevent you from developing an infection. Regular hand washing and good hand hygiene is also important. Q: Who can I call if I need more health-related information or if I have health concerns?A: Call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744. Q: What do I do if I feel sick?A: If you have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, or any other respiratory symptoms or health concerns please seek an assessment from your health care provider. Q: Should I be concerned about mould?A: Flooding increases the likelihood that items in the flood affected areas may be contaminated by mould. Mould, which often appears as discoloration on surfaces and structures, may trigger adverse health effects in some people. Some people are more likely to experience adverse health effects, they include:
Exposure to elevated levels of indoor moulds may affect health in four ways:
All visible mould on structures and surfaces in your home should be removed. Moulds can release spores (their offspring) and various chemicals into the air. Removing visible mould decreases the levels of airborne mould in the air. Generally, if there is no visible mould, you should not be concerned about the air quality in your home. If you have addressed the excess moisture and humidity in your basement, have removed all visible mould and cleaned the affected areas according to instructions provided in the enclosed homeowner's guide, we do not recommend that you get an indoor air quality assessment. If you chose to proceed with an assessment, call the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation at 613-748-2367. They will be able to refer you to certified Indoor Air Quality Investigators (IAQs) in your area. Q: What can I do to prevent mould growth?A: The best way to prevent mould contamination is to ventilate and dry the affected areas as quickly as possible. Items such as waterlogged drywall, should be removed and discarded to prevent mould growth. For a list of what to keep or discard, please refer to the enclosed “Homeowner’s guide to sewer surcharging clean-up” or online at the, Homeowner’s Guide to Sewer Surcharging and Clean-up. All items and surfaces that you are not discarding must be washed and wiped down with soap, water and household bleach. Q: When will we have answers about what caused the flooding?A: The City has launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the flood damage. The investigation will try to determine why basement and road flooding occurred and what can be done to reduce the risk of future flooding in the area. This investigation will review system design, maintenance and operations in relation to their designed purposes. A report on the investigation will be presented to City Council on September 2, and the funding of preventative measures to reduce the risk of future flooding will be considered this fall by City Council as part of the 2010 City budget. Over the coming weeks, the City will be gathering information as part of the assessment process. This activity includes:
Q: What is the City doing to review their response to the flooding situation?A: Following the July 2009 Rain Fall Event in the Kanata area and subsequent flooding, an independent consultant will be retained to prepare an After Action Review Report. This review/report will examine all actions taken from initial response to mitigation activities in context with all City Departmental/Services emergency plans and procedures. The review will also identify gaps and opportunities based on best practices and current standards and develop recommendations and potential solutions that will address and enhance the city's overall emergency response. |
CON045270