Step 1. Take pictures of the damage
Take pictures of all damaged items inside and outside your property before throwing anything away or making any repairs.
Step 2. Contact your insurance company
Ask your insurer for a letter outlining your coverage and exclusions This is required as part of your application.
If you experience issues with your insurance provider or have concerns, call the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422 or visit them online.
You can also use the following resources if you are having issues with your insurance providers:
- Insurance consumer complaints
- Insurer Ombudsperson
- Independent General Insurance Ombudsman Service (which all property insurers subscribe to)
Step 3. Contact your local government
Find out if there are any supports available to you in the area. Ask about the potential for assistance and a DRP in your area.
Step 4. Begin clean-up and repair work
Contact your local government to ensure you have all the required building permits, authorizations and approvals in place for rebuilds or repairs. Repairs and rebuilds must meet current codes and regulations to be eligible for program assistance.
Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning your property. See Cleaning your home after a flood for more information.
Step 5. Record all the time you spend cleaning and making repairs
Keep copies of all your receipts for clean up, repairs and replacement of damaged property.
Repairs are not required before submitting your application.
Step 6. Protect yourself financially
Review the following financial protection fact sheets:
Services and information
Disaster financial assistance and recovery support
Information on supports for Albertans, including the Disaster Recovery Program and the Municipal Wildfire Assistance Program.
Disaster recovery program (DRP)
Links and PDF documents for DRP assistance and guidelines and resources.
Flood information for tenants and landlords
Understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord dealing with flood recovery.
Cleaning your home after a flood
Use these tips to keep yourself and your home safe when cleaning after a flood.
Find the status and location of wildfires, fire restrictions and bans, and learn more about wildfire prevention, operations and careers.