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Flood response and reporting

Flood response and reporting

Step 1: Take immediate safety precautions

  • If anyone is in danger, call 911.
  • Do not touch the wastewater and keep children and pets away from the affected area. If you have masks, put them on.
  • If water has risen above electrical outlets or water is near electrical panels, shut off your electricity (if safe to do so). This would affect the operation of a sump pump or sewage ejector.
  • If you detect gas, leave the house immediately and contact your gas provider.
  • Do not use toilets or sinks until the source of the backup is known.

Step 2: Take photos and/or video

  • Take as many photos as possible of the affected area and damage.
  • This will be important when submitting insurance claims and reporting your basement flooding to Halton Region.

Step 3: Report basement flooding to Halton Region

If anyone is in immediate danger, please call 911 before you report flooding.

Rainfall events

If you experience flooding in your basement or yard during a rainfall event, report online using our form. You can also call 311 to report. To report with ease, please have photos or video of the flooding and/or damage ready to upload to the form.

Please note: Halton Region Public Works staff will not conduct in-home visits during extreme weather events. Halton Region will rely on information provided through the online form to support investigations.

During and following an extreme rain event, the primary role of Halton Region Public Works staff is to focus on ensuring the wastewater collection system and all of Halton Region’s 84 pumping stations are operating properly and regulatory requirements continue to be met.

If the roads, ditches, streams, creeks are flooding excessively during intense rain, please contact your Local Municipality or call 311 and staff will put you in contact with the appropriate authority.

Report flooding

Dry weather events

If you have flooded during dry weather, please call 311. This may be due to a sewer blockage, water meter or water tank leaks, water/plumbing leaks or other issue. Staff will work as quicky as possible to help you assess the situation and determine next steps.

Call 311

Step 4: Contact your insurance provider

  • Report property damage to your insurance provider as soon as possible.
  • Discuss what steps you need to submit your insurance claim.
  • Keep receipts for all expenses you incur and send them your photos.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has a virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion to help with questions related to insurance. For support:

More information about filing an insurance claim (external link).

Frequently asked questions

Who do I call to report flooding on my property?

Contact Halton Region – call 311 or email accesshalton@halton.ca –– as soon as possible. In an extreme weather event, you may experience longer than normal wait times. We will ensure all calls are answered and processed as soon as possible.

Who do I call to report flooding on my street or other roads?

Contact your Local Municipality and let them know where it is happening. You can also call 311 and staff will direct you to the appropriate authority. You will be provided with information on any next steps or action to take.

Is the tap water safe to drink during a flood?

The drinking water system in Halton is separate from the wastewater and storm water systems. Your water is safe to drink during a flooding event.

If your home relies on private well water supplies and septic systems and you suspect that your well water supply may be contaminated by flood waters, use an alternate source of drinking water until you can obtain test results indicating that your well water is safe for drinking.

Are there any impacts to air quality due to flooding?

Indoor air quality can be affected from dust created during clean-up activities, cleaners and disinfectants, and mould. Learn how to properly handle and clean up from mould or read our Guide to Flooding Prevention & Recovery (PDF file). Remember to:

  • keep infants, pregnant women, the elderly or those with existing health problems such as respiratory disease or a weakened immune system away.
  • keep rooms well ventilated. Use a de-humidifier, fan or open windows to let fresh air in. If possible, close off the flooded areas from other parts of the house.
  • wear protective clothing such as a disposable particulate mask (for example, 3M 8210 or equivalent N95 mask), unvented safety goggles, rubber boots and household rubber gloves.
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