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Part of Disaster recovery supports

Steps to take following a disaster

The following 6 steps will help you recover from a disaster.

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:

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 Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program (HARP – formerly 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

  • Be aware when hiring contractors
    It’s not uncommon for reports of price gouging to occur during and after emergencies.

    If the price you pay grossly exceeds that of similar goods or services that are readily available, and a business fails to inform you why they are charging more than their competitors, that may qualify as an unfair practice.

  • Scams
    Scammers and fraudsters will often try to take advantage of people during and after emergencies. Be particularly aware of scams from text, email or telephone that seek your personal or financial information.

    The government will never send you unsolicited emails, text messages or call you by phone asking for your personal information.

    If you see something suspicious or think you've been the target of a scam, report it to your local police or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online.

  • Renters, condominium owners and boards
    Learn more about what you need to do as a tenant or landlord returning after a wildfire evacuation.

    Learn more about condo fees and repairs after returning to your home after a wildfire.