Emergency Measures Organization
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Recover from Disaster
Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home and your life back to normal.
Re-entry
After a flood or other natural disaster, going back into your home can be dangerous because of structural, electrical or other hazards. Before returning home be sure that permission have been given by authorites and that the building is safe.
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After the Flood Link to CHMC website |
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Floods - What to do before and after Brochure PDF 1MB |
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Severe Storms What to do after any severe storm Brochure PDF 1MB |
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Winter Power Failures What to do, and what not to do, during and after a power failure Brochure PDF 1.2MB |
Help
There are extensive resources available to assist individuals and communities when dealing with recovery issues such as psychological trauma, clean-up, and repair of damaged structures. Manitoba EMO works closely with a number of Partners in Disaster to coordinate recovery resources. Should you require additional assistance and resources, contact your local authority or EMO.
Clean Up
Disasters make a mess and one of the first jobs is to clean up. Safety should always be the very first consideration.
Houses that have been flooded or damaged by water need special attention to avoid mold growth. Proper cleaning techniques are essential to your safety while cleaning mold, and to ensure contaminants are properly removed and will not create a hazardous environment in your home.
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides information on safe and effective clean-up after a flood:
- Water Damage, Mold and House Insurance
- After the Flood
- Fighting Mold The Homeowners' Guide
- Cleaning Mold Video
Disaster Financial Assistance
The Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program provides provincial assistance for certain disaster-related losses when a widespread disaster strikes and creates an unreasonable financial burden. When a DFA program is established for a disaster, assistance is generally provided for the recovery needs of local governments, occupied private residential properties, farms, small business and some not-for-profit organizations.
On the Disaster Financial Assistance page you will find the following information:
- Qualification criteria
- Eligible and ineligible costs
- Claim process
- How to apply
- Limitations
Rebuilding
Repairs after a disaster should be treated like any other home renovations; you need to do some research, ensure safe practices are being followed, and check the quality of the work and compliance with codes and standards.
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides information on best practices for construction and renovation, and other considerations when rebuilding after a disaster:
Other useful links:
- Manitoba Consumer and Corporate Affairs - Consumer's Bureau
- Manitoba Home Builders' Association
- Winnipeg Construction Association
- CMHC - Renovation a Home
- CMHC - Renovation for Energy Savings
- FEMA- Rebuild Smarter and Stronger
Business Disaster Recovery
The goal of recovery and restoration operations is to, recover the facility or operation and maintain critical service or product delivery. Recovery and restoration includes:
- re-deploying personnel;
- deciding whether to repair the facility, relocate to an alternate site or build a new facility;
- acquiring the additional resources necessary for restoring business operations;
- re-establishing normal operations; and
- resuming operations at pre-disruption levels.
A Guide to Business Continuity Planning provides a summary and general advice for business continuity planning, response and recovery.
