What to Do After a Flood

Flooding in your home or on your property can be overwhelming, often making it hard to know where to begin and who to contact. There are resources available to support and work with you through the crisis. This webpage can help you to guide you through the first steps of recovery.

Emergency Support Services (ESS) is a provincially-funded program that provides short-term emergency supports (accommodation, food, clothing) to individuals who have had to leave their homes due to an emergency event.

Short-term emergency supports are available to residents who have experienced significant consequences/impacts due to the October 19–20 storm event and are unable to stay in their home.

Please call North Shore Emergency Management at 778-651-9600 and assistance will be provided through their Emergency Support Service programming.

For general information about Emergency Support Services, please visit the BC Government’s Support services during an emergency web page.
Property owners and residents are advised to contact their insurance provider as soon as possible to obtain advice about their next steps in cleanup and repairs resulting from flooding. In addition to contacting your private insurance company, you may also reach out to the property owner. Keep all receipts and records, including photos and video.

If you are having any difficulty understanding your insurance coverage and the claims process, the Insurance Bureau of Canada can help.
- Read frequently asked questions about insurance
- Call 1-844-227-5422
If your business has been affected, please contact your insurer to find out what kind of coverage you have and begin the claim process.

North Shore Emergency Management (NSEM) has additional helpful information.
If you have left your home due to flooding and are looking to re-enter, or if you are sheltering in place but water is in your home, it is important to remember that gas and electrical hazards may still exist long after flood waters recede. Here are some things to consider:
- If water levels were high enough to cover your gas meter or gas appliance, this may have resulted in your pilot light being extinguished.
- Once your natural gas utility has been turned off, a FortisBC technician will need to inspect the meter and regulator before turning the gas back on and relighting any appliances. For relights, call 1-877-711-8877.
- If you smell an odour like rotten eggs or sulphur, it could be a gas leak. Go outside and call the FortisBC Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911 (24 hours) or 911.
- If you still see water in your building, do not attempt to shut off the main power switch. Avoid any electrical lines or basements and other low-lying structures where electricity and water may be present.
- Electrical appliances or systems damaged by flooding can be dangerous if they’re re-energized and used without being properly inspected by a licensed contractor. Visit Technical Safety BC to find a licensed contractor in your area.
- Refrigerated or frozen foods may not be safe to eat after a power outage. Food that may have had contact with floodwater or storm water may also be unsafe to eat. Visit cdc.gov for information on food safety following a flood.
If you have a safety concern about re-entering your home or business, please call your local fire department.
Stressful events can affect people emotionally and physically. It is important to take good care of yourself and your family in the days and weeks that follow. Support is available. A few resources are included below:
- Virtual low- and no-cost mental health supports are available, including counselling services.
- Kids Help Phone offers 24/7, free e-mental health and wellness support.
- KUU-US Crisis Line provides 24/7 support for Indigenous Elders, adults and youth.