With the risk of spring flooding looming, the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reminding residents of Quebec to prepare and take precautions to keep themselves and their property as safe as possible.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, IBC said in a release that citizens living in flood risk zones must, as early as now, identify accommodation options they can turn to in case of evacuation. This can help reduce any unnecessary contact during the flood event as per the province’s social distancing measures.

Apart from having an evacuation plan in place, IBC recommended the following tips:

• Move all objects from the basement to the ground floor.
• Outside the home, remove or secure all property that is likely to be displaced or carried away by the waters.
• Check waterproofing around doors and windows, and make sure they are closed.
• Prepare a three-day supply of food and drinking water, an emergency kit as well as candles, flashlights or a generator.
• Closely follow the situation and respect safety instructions.

IBC also said that some insurers have offered flood insurance in Quebec in the form of an endorsement since 2017. But this varies from company to company, as well as the underwriting criteria. The bureau recommended that policyholders should reach out to their insurer to check if their policy covers this type of loss.

The insurance body also said that individuals who do not have flood insurance, or do not have enough insurance to cover for flood damage, may apply for financial assistance from the Ministry of Public Safety.