Flood Survival Guide — 2027 Edition (PDF, Quebec)

Torrential rain, and water is rising through the basement drain. Do you know what to shut off, what to move upstairs, who to call, and whether your insurance really covers you?

We tend to think that flooding only affects homes near the water. Yet, in August 2024, the remnants of Debby caused sewer backups in a vast number of basements, far from any river: the most expensive weather event in Quebec's history in terms of insured damages, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. This guide is for every family with a basement.

What's in the guide (29 pages, letter size)

• 1. Understanding the risk: the 5 ways water enters a home (flooding, torrential rain, sewer backup, seepage, dike failure), lessons from 2017, 2019, and 2024, and the "Our home and water" worksheet
• 2. Protecting the home beforehand: backwater valves and sump pumps, work that keeps water out, insurance and the 7 questions to ask your broker, inventory of belongings, evacuation plan, and kit
• 3. When the water rises: the right actions in order (electricity, gas, belongings), sudden backup during a storm, evacuating safely, flood log
• 4. After the flood: returning safely, reporting to the insurer and municipality, financial aid, cleaning and drying within 48 hours, wells, food, and septic tanks
• 4 reference sheets: building a sandbag wall, mold, useful contacts, and wallet cards

Why this guide

It is based on official guidelines from the Government of Quebec and Hydro-Québec, and transforms scattered advice into a concrete plan: checklists, pages to fill out, and numbered steps to follow when stress levels rise.

To complement: the Energy Crisis Survival Guide explains how to use a generator safely to keep the sump pump running, and the 72-Hour Family Emergency Plan prepares the family for any emergency.

Format and delivery

• 29-page PDF, download link provided immediately after purchase
• Print and store upstairs with your important documents, or fill out on a tablet
• Language: available in French or English (2027 edition). Choose the language before adding to cart.

By Mario Brisebois, Québec Survie. This guide is a preparation tool: it does not replace official instructions from authorities, nor the advice of your insurer, a master electrician, or a plumber. For personal use only.