How to Deal With Flood Damage

A Practical Guide to Deal With Flood Damage

Knowing how to deal with flood damage starts with keeping people safe. Water can hide live wires, sewage and sharp debris. First, stay out of unsafe rooms and follow local emergency advice. Then, arrange help to check the damage and plan the work.

GTA Restoration helps homes and businesses across Toronto and the GTA with water removal, drying and repairs. However, each loss needs its own plan. The water source, wet materials and length of exposure all affect the next steps.

Call Us: 416-800-0000

Put Safety Before Flood Damage Cleanup

Never cross standing water to reach a power panel. Also, do not use wet plugs, cords or appliances. If water may touch electrical equipment, stay clear and call your electric utility about disconnecting power.

Afterward, a Licensed Electrical Contractor should assess affected systems before power returns. Rubber boots do not make entry safe. Read the Electrical Safety Authority’s flood advice for more guidance. For immediate danger, call 911 from a safe place.

Find the Water Source

If a pipe leaks, close its water valve only when you can reach it safely from a dry area. Otherwise, leave the area and call for help. Keep children and pets away from wet rooms.

Storm runoff and drain backups may carry harmful waste. Therefore, avoid contact and tell the crew where the water came from. Our sewage cleanup service can help assess work that needs extra controls.

Record Flood Damage Before Cleanup

Once access is safe, take photos and videos of each room. Next, list damaged items and note when you found the water. Contact your insurer promptly and keep receipts for urgent work.

Also, ask before discarding items unless they pose a safety or health hazard. Your policy sets the coverage and limits. The Insurance Bureau of Canada’s claims guide explains what records to keep.

Plan Water Removal and Material Care

To deal with flood damage, crews first need to know how far water spread. For example, a wet floor may hide damp layers below it. The plan should cover water removal, cleaning and any materials that need to come out.

Next, agree on access and work hours with the crew. In a shared building, notify the property manager as well. Nearby units may also need checks when water travels through floors or walls.

Some hard items may be cleaned and dried. However, soaked carpet, insulation and other porous materials may need removal. Decisions depend on water quality, damage and drying options. Point out valued items before work begins.

Dry Hidden Flood Damage

Water removal alone does not dry a building. Moisture can remain in walls, floors and framing. Air movers help wet surfaces dry, while dehumidifiers draw moisture from the air. Crews should check progress with readings.

Before new finishes go in, ask which areas meet the drying goals. A dry-looking surface may still hide wet layers. Also, request a record of the drying checks for your project file. This helps you follow the work from the first visit through to repairs. See our restoration service overview for more about the process.

Check for Mold and Repeat Leaks

Damp materials can support mold growth. Therefore, start drying promptly once the site is safe. Report musty smells or visible growth so the team can assess the cause and cleanup needs.

Finally, repair the source of water entry. Depending on the cause, this may involve plumbing, roof repairs or drainage work. Keep watch for new stains or damp spots after heavy rain.

Need Help to Deal With Flood Damage?

Ask GTA Restoration about cleanup, drying and repair options for your property.

Call Us: 416-800-0000

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Restoration Services | Sewage Cleanup | Mold Remediation