Snow melt plus spring rain is a dangerous combination in New Brunswick. Whether you’re in Fredericton, Moncton, or a rural river valley, rising water can arrive faster than you think. Here’s your actionable weekend checklist.
Check your sump pump now — not later
Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to confirm the float switch triggers and the pump discharges properly. Replace the battery backup if it’s more than two years old. This is the single most important thing you can do before the weekend is over.
Clear your eavestroughs and downspouts
Debris left over from fall traps snow melt against your fascia and foundation. Extend downspouts at least two metres away from your house and confirm the ground slopes away from your foundation — not toward it.
Locate and test your main water shutoff
In a flood, seconds matter. Know exactly where your shutoff valve is and confirm it turns freely. Label it clearly. If your shutoff is corroded or stuck, call a plumber before the ground thaws further.
Move valuables and documents off the basement floor
Birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, hard drives, photo albums — these should be in a waterproof container at shoulder height or higher. A few minutes of reorganizing can prevent years of heartache.
Photograph your belongings for insurance
Walk through every room with your phone and record a video of your belongings. Upload it to cloud storage or email it to yourself. A documented inventory dramatically speeds up claims and reduces disputes with insurers.
Call your insurance provider and review your policy
Standard home insurance in New Brunswick typically does not cover overland flooding. Confirm whether you have overland water coverage or sewer backup endorsement. If not, ask about adding it — even a partial policy is better than nothing before the next rain event.
Seal basement windows and cracks
Water finds the smallest gaps. Apply hydraulic cement or waterproof sealant to any visible cracks in your foundation walls or around window wells. Install window well covers if you don’t already have them — these are inexpensive and remarkably effective.
Prepare an emergency kit and go-bag
Assemble at minimum: three days of drinking water per person, non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, any prescription medications, and copies of your key documents. Keep it somewhere you can grab in under two minutes.
Sign up for local emergency alerts
The Province of New Brunswick and most municipalities offer text and email alerts for flood watches, warnings, and evacuation orders. Visit your municipality’s website and sign up today. Follow the NB Emergency Measures Organization on social media for real-time updates during high-water events.
Talk to your neighbours — especially older ones
New Brunswick communities pull together in hard times. Check in with elderly or mobility-limited neighbours now, before an emergency. Make sure they have a plan and someone to call. Know where your nearest emergency shelter is and share that information with
For current flood watches and warnings, visit emergencymeasuresnb.ca
Always follow directions from local emergency officials during a flood event.
