Flood Emergency Response and Safety Information

Our climate is changing, bringing warmer, wetter, and more unpredictable weather. The City of Burlington has information and resources to help residents respond to, and recover from severe weather events.

Emergency Preparedness

The City of Burlington and our partners are prepared to quickly respond to protect you and your family in case of an emergency or disaster.

Everyone has a role to play in preparedness and safety. By doing a few basic things to prepare yourself, your family and your business, you can help protect what is important to you.

Learn more about emergency kits, plans and tips.

Flood Prevention Programs

Homeowners are encouraged to play an active role in reducing flood risks by taking advantage of available City and regional programs.

Stay Connected

In major flood emergencies, you can find information on the City’s corporate social media channels, the Extreme Weather Alerts page and you can sign up to receive extreme weather updates.

When City facilities are closed due to weather, stay informed by subscribing to Facility Closure updates and by checking our Facility, sports field and pool closures page.

Report flooding

If you notice flooding on streets, roadways, parks or other public areas, please contact Service Burlington by call or email. These types of surface flooding are managed by the City of Burlington.

If you experience flooding in your basement - whether from overland water or sanitary sewer backups - please call Halton Region at 3-1-1. This service will connect you with the Region of Halton, which handles residential basement flooding.

Staff will ensure your concern is forwarded to the appropriate specialists for follow-up.

For emergencies or immediate danger, dial 9-1-1.

Flood Emergency Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you or someone else in immediate danger?

If there is immediate danger, dial 9-1-1.

Do you have a flooded basement?

  1. Take immediate health and safety precautions. Visit Halton's flood web page for information about how to prevent illness and injury.
  2. Contact your home or business insurance provider.
    • The City cannot provide advice to private homeowners about insurance policies. If you do not have home or contents insurance, contact your preferred insurance company or broker to obtain an insurance policy.
    • The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has activated their virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion to assist residents with questions related to insurance.

      IBC can be contacted:

      Information on filing an insurance claim is available on their website.

  3. Access mental health resources for support. Recovering from a flood can be difficult and very stressful. Distress Centre Halton provides 24/7 support for people experiencing emotional stress. If you need help, Burlington residents can call 905-681-1488.

Visit Halton's flood web page for more information on what to do if your basement has flooded. This page also includes information on how to apply for the Halton Region Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program.

In addition to flooded basements, contact Halton Region for:

  • Regional subsidy programs
    • Halton Region’s Residential Basement Flooding Grant (formerly known as the Ex-gratia Grant) ($1,000) for public sewer backup can help residents to either offset the cost of an insurance deductible or help with in-home flooding-related costs that are not otherwise covered under their home insurance policy.
    • To be eligible for the Residential Basement Flooding Grant, property owners must report in-home flooding, regardless of the source, to Halton Region by calling 311, emailing or through the online form. If reporting via the online form, please ensure you also have photos or a video of the flooding and/or damage ready to upload to the form. Halton Region Public Works staff will follow up as soon as possible to investigate. The grant will be available if Public Works staff have determined that:
      • A blockage occurred on the municipal side of the wastewater system or
      • The wastewater backup was the result of a sewer surcharge.
  • Visit Halton's flood web page to learn more about steps to take if you experience flooding.

Call Halton Region at 3-1-1. You can also reach the Halton Region contact centre at 905-825-6000 or toll-free at 1-866-442-5866, TTY: 905-827-9833, or email.

Contact the City of Burlington for:

  • Catch basins and maintenance (manholes) overwhelmed with water
  • Fallen tree branches or downed trees
  • Flooding outside, on the ground, that will not drain away
  • Blocked culverts
  • Flooded City park or facility
  • Road debris

Call Service Burlington or email.

During an active weather event, response times may be longer than usual.

If you have a concern related to the City’s long-term policies and plans to address the impact of severe storms in our city, please contact Service Burlington by phone or email.

Visit our Home Flood Prevention page for a list of programs and tips for homeowners to help prevent home flooding. 

Contact Us

Halton Region
1151 Bronte Rd.,
Oakville, ON  L6M 3L1

Phone: 311
General Phone: 905-825-6000
Email Halton Region

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