Core responsibility
Preparedness and recovery should be planned as one continuous capability.
Homes and organizations need emergency contacts, maintenance records, photographs, insurance information, contractor and vendor contacts, communication procedures and an understanding of official assistance limits.
The July 2026 Ottawa flooding demonstrates why recovery literacy belongs beside prevention and maintenance.
Before an event
Know flood pathways, maintain systems, protect records, clarify roles and prepare communication.
- Emergency contacts
- System testing
- Inventory and photographs
- Continuity planning
During an event
Prioritize life safety, follow official instructions, avoid contaminated water and do not enter unsafe electrical environments.
- Emergency alerts
- Road and building safety
- Utility hazards
- Occupant communication
After an event
Contact insurers, photograph damage before disposal where safe, preserve receipts and use qualified cleanup and technical advice.
- Insurance notice
- Photo and video record
- Receipts and estimates
- Safe cleanup
Official assistance
Check whether a programme has been activated, confirm location and applicant eligibility, understand exclusions and meet the deadline.
- Activated area
- Eligible applicant
- Eligible damage
- Application deadline