Neeraj Moolchandani is a top real estate agent in Markham, Ontario.

Neeraj and the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the teams Markham homeowners trust long after closing day, put this checklist together because the best time to prepare is before you need it.

1. Your 72 Hour Kit

• Water: enough for every person and pet for three days
• Food that does not need cooking, and a manual can opener
• Flashlights, a battery or crank radio, and extra batteries
• Phone power banks, fully charged
• First aid kit and a supply of any medications
• Copies of important documents, including insurance policies
• Warm blankets and clothing

2. Power Outages

Most of Markham is served by Alectra Utilities.

• Save Alectra's outage reporting contact and outage map in your phone.
• Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from surges when power returns.
• Keep the fridge and freezer closed to hold the cold.
• Never run a generator, barbecue, or camp stove indoors or in a garage.
• Make sure carbon monoxide alarms have working batteries.
• If you rely on medical equipment, plan a backup power option.

3. Basement Flooding

• Clean gutters and make sure downspouts drain away from the house.
• Check that the ground slopes away from your foundation.
• Test your sump pump each season, and consider a battery backup.
• Install a backwater valve to help stop sewer backups.
• Keep valuables off the basement floor.
• Clear the storm drain near your driveway of leaves and snow.

4. Winter Storms

• Service your furnace each fall and replace the filter.
• Know where your main water shut off valve is, in case a pipe freezes and bursts.
• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor taps.
• Keep salt, a good shovel, and a snow brush ready.
• Clear snow away from furnace and dryer vents.

Know the City's winter services. Markham clears local roads once 7.5 cm of snow has fallen and sidewalks once 5 cm has fallen. Parking is banned on both sides of City streets during snow clearing. The City's windrow assistance program clears the end of the driveway for eligible residents who are 60 or older or have a disability. Apply through the City.

5. Insurance Check Up

Many homeowners find gaps only after a claim. Ask your insurer:

1. Am I covered for sewer backup?
2. Am I covered for overland water, such as heavy rain flowing into the home?
3. What is my deductible, and what are the limits?
4. Do I get a discount for a backwater valve or sump pump?
5. Is a basement suite or home business covered?

Keep photos or a video of each room and your belongings, stored online.

Why This Matters for Your Home's Value

Buyers and inspectors ask about water and power history. A home with a backwater valve, a working sump pump, good grading, and records of maintenance gives buyers confidence. If you are buying, ask the seller about past flooding and insurance claims, and read our home inspection checklist.