Flooded by Montreal’s flash flood? Here’s what you need to know

South Shore of Montreal hit hard by flash flooding

Hundreds of homes were impacted by flash flooding across several areas after a severe thunderstorm struck on Saturday.

Here are some things to know if your home has been flooded:

Returning home

• If you have been evacuated from your home after a flood, you must wait for authorization from the Montreal Fire Department before returning to your home.
• It is advised to return home during the day so you can effectively assess the exterior and interior of your home to identify any damage. Then, make an inventory of all the damage and take photos and videos.
• It is advised to secure your home to protect it from looters if you need to carry out major repairs before moving back into your home.

Damages and compensation

• Send the documents to your insurer so that they can assess the damage, and keep receipts for all your expenses.
• If your home has been flooded due to a sewer backup caused by the spring floods, you can request a city water and sewer system inspection if you suspect a problem or break. For more information, you can contact 311.

Learn more about compensation programs offered by the Ministry of Public Safety.

Exterior inspection

• Gather broken branches, sandbags, and other debris on your property, near the street. Residents may receive special instructions regarding collection.
• Report any nearby hazards to 311. This includes uprooted trees, broken branches on a vehicle, large debris blocking the road, displaced manhole covers, and traffic signs. If there are damaged power lines, contact Hydro-Québec.
• If your vehicle is flooded, it is no longer safe. This includes a car, motorcycle, motorhome, or trailer.

Consult the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec’s page for further information.

Interior inspection

• Remove the water by pumping it from the basement. However, pumping the water too quickly could cause further damage to the foundation walls.
• It is advised to inspect the walls and floors and note any signs of sagging, which include bulging, bowing, or warping. If any of the following are observed, it is advised to leave immediately and have your home inspected by a professional, such as a building inspector.
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

Electricity

• Avoid flooded rooms that have electrical appliances that are switched on or cables. and plugging in an electrical appliance if there is water on the floor or if your hands or feet are wet.
• Avoid touching an electrical panel that has been submerged. Contact Hydro-Québec at 1‑800‑790‑2424 and consult its Safety and Electricity – What to Do in Case of Flooding webpage for more information.
• It is advised to have a certified electrical contractor to inspect, repair or replace your electrical installations.

For more information on what to do after a flood, visit the City of Montreal’s website.