How should Markham homeowners prepare for power outages, flooding and winter storms?Build a 72-hour emergency kit, save Alectra’s outage line (1-833-253-2872) and know to call 911 from outside if you smell gas. Protect your basement with a backwater valve and sump pump; Markham offers rebates of up to $1,750 for an indoor backwater valve in eligible areas. Never run a generator indoors or in a garage, and keep carbon monoxide alarms on every storey. Check your insurance: sewer backup and overland flood coverage are optional add-ons. Sign up for City of Markham e-alerts and know that 105.9 FM is the official emergency radio station.
Recent years have shown how quickly weather can disrupt daily life in Ontario. The March 2025 ice storm left about a million customers without power, and the July 2024 flash floods caused more than $940 million in insured damage across Toronto and southern Ontario.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, encourages homeowners to prepare before the season turns, because a little planning protects both the family and the home.
Your 72-hour kit
- Water, about four litres per person per day
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- Flashlights, batteries and a battery or crank radio
- Phone chargers and a power bank
- First aid kit and a supply of medications
- Copies of key documents, cash and spare keys
- Warm clothing and blankets
- Pet food and supplies
The City of Markham’s emergency preparedness page links to a 72-hour kit pamphlet and shopping list.
Numbers and alerts to save
| Who | How to reach them |
|---|---|
| Emergencies | 911 |
| Alectra power outages | 1-833-253-2872, option 1, 24/7, or the online outage map |
| Enbridge gas emergency | Leave the home, then call 911 or Enbridge’s emergency line |
| Markham Fire & Emergency Services | 905-415-7521 (non-emergency) |
| City alerts | City of Markham e-alerts; 105.9 FM official emergency radio; Alert Ready |
Power outages
- Stay at least 10 metres from downed wires and report them.
- Keep the fridge and freezer closed.
- Unplug sensitive electronics.
- Use portable generators outdoors only, at least 6 metres from windows, doors and vents, and never in a garage, even with the door open.
- For a permanent generator, use a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
Since January 1, 2026, Ontario has required carbon monoxide alarms on every storey of homes with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
Buying a home and worried about flood risk?
Michael John Lau can help you check a home’s drainage, backwater valve and history before you offer.
Book a consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Basement flooding
- Keep downspouts directed away from the foundation.
- Test your sump pump before spring and after heavy rain.
- Install a backwater valve; Markham’s Private Plumbing Protection Rebate offers up to $1,750 for an indoor valve and $2,000 for an outdoor one in eligible areas, with pre-approval required.
- Store valuables off the basement floor.
- Keep storm drains on your street clear of leaves and snow.
Winter storms
- Roads: arterial roads are cleared first; local roads are plowed once snow reaches 7.5 cm, and a full pass takes about 16 hours.
- Sidewalks: the City clears them once snow reaches 5 cm.
- Windrows: the City’s windrow program helps eligible residents aged 60 and over, or with a doctor’s note.
- Parking: move vehicles off the street during snow clearing, when permits and exemptions are not valid.
- Pipes: keep the heat at no lower than 15°C and drain outdoor taps.
Check your insurance
The Insurance Bureau of Canada notes that sewer backup damage is covered only if you have bought optional sewer backup coverage, and overland flood coverage is also optional. Review your policy each fall for:
- Sewer backup coverage and its limit
- Overland flood coverage
- Rules about checking the home while you are away
- Coverage for food spoilage and additional living expenses
Take photos or video of your belongings and store them online.
If you are buying a home
- Ask whether the basement has ever had water and whether there is a backwater valve and sump pump.
- Check grading and downspouts during the home inspection.
- Ask your insurer about sewer backup and overland flood coverage for the specific address.
- Note the age of the furnace and whether the home has a generator connection.
See the Markham home inspection checklist.
Your seasonal checklist
- Restock the 72-hour kit.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Service the furnace and test the sump pump.
- Clean gutters and check downspouts.
- Review your insurance coverage.
- Sign up for City e-alerts.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before the next storm.
Preparation turns an emergency into an inconvenience. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I report a power outage in Markham?
Call Alectra at 1-833-253-2872, option 1, 24/7, or use the online outage map.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave the home immediately, then call 911 or Enbridge's emergency line from a safe place.
Does home insurance cover basement flooding?
Sewer backup and overland flood coverage are optional add-ons. Check your policy.
Does Markham offer rebates for backwater valves?
Yes, up to $1,750 for an indoor backwater valve and $2,000 for an outdoor one in eligible areas, with pre-approval.
Can I run a generator in my garage?
No. Use portable generators outdoors only, at least 6 metres from windows, doors and vents.
What radio station broadcasts Markham emergency information?
105.9 FM is the City of Markham's official emergency radio station.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Emergency contacts and alerts are from the City of Markham, Alectra and Enbridge. CO alarm rules are from the Ontario Solicitor General (December 17, 2025); generator guidance is from Ontario.ca and the OAFC (May 1, 2025). Insurance guidance is from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (July 16, 2024). Storm figures are from The Weather Network (April 2025) and IBC/CatIQ via Collision Repair (August 21, 2024). Winter services and rebates are from the City of Markham. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
