What to Do in the First 24 Hours of a Toronto Flood: ONT’s Expert Restoration Checklist

Flood encounters are unpredictable. Your properties in Toronto may experience flooding due to rising water levels from heavy storm rainfall, sewer back-up or snowmelt. Water can be pushed into properties due to overflowing drains or cracks in the pipes, foundation and door/window sealing. Facing a flood in Toronto can be an overwhelming experience. 

Unsure of what to do next at the time of flood damage in Toronto? In this blog, you will explore the checklist to do in the first 24 hours of the flood. ONT Restoration understands the emergencies of flooded basements and water damage in Toronto properties, thus offering a quick checklist and emergency restoration services to keep you and your property safe. 

The first 24 hours are the most critical window for safety. Here’s ONT Restoration’s navigation guide for you-

Things to Do in The First 24 Hours For Flood Damage in Toronto

Here are some quick checklists that can keep you and your family safe from flood damage in Toronto- 

• Safety and Documentation in The First 0-2 Hours 

• Prioritize safety

When your property has faced a serious water intrusion, don’t enter it directly. First, check the condition of your structure and ensure it is safe before entering. Water may weaken the wooden floors and wall panels, increasing the risk of ceiling collapse. 

• Stop the Source of Water and Switch Off the Electrical Main Supply 

To reduce the risk of electric hazard, it is advisable to switch off the main electrical supply and water too.

• Document the Damage

First, it is advised to keep your documents and other essentials safe in a dry place. After that, if possible, record the damage precisely to explain the situation to the restoration company and for insurance claims. 

You can take wide-angle shots of damaged items and capture videos related to them, too.

• Mitigate and Insurance Check in the next 2-4 Hours 

Every minute counts during flood damage; water mitigation is an immediate process to begin with. 

The next important step is to contact your insurance provider to claim. You can hire an IICRC-certified professional for proper water mitigation and insurance. You can start the water extraction DIY for a flooded basement, or call a professional, ONT Restoration. 

We know this can be a hectic process in an emergency. You can ease your mind by calling ONT Restoration to handle flood damage restoration. Our team of professionals can handle everything from insurance claims to final billing. 

• Water Restoration Process in 4-24 Hours of Flood Damage

Water needs to be pumped out and removed from the property. Rely on professionals for their water extraction process using advanced industrial pumps. 

• Water Extraction

Water removal is an immediate thing to do after experiencing a flood in a residential or commercial property. 

When done by a professional certified team and with advanced equipment, it increases the efficiency of the process. It is a crucial step, because lingering moisture can invite mold growth. 

Mold can easily grow and spread over a short duration, proper drying becomes more crucial to avoid future mold issues. 

• Drying and Restoring Indoor Air Quality

Air quality needs to be restored to make it safe again. Proper ventilation and air circulation are needed to improve the air quality.

Professionals use dehumidifiers and air filters to remove lingering water and moisture. This also reduces the risk of mold growth and the costly mold removal process.

• Cleaning and Sanitizing 

All damaged materials, like furniture and wall panels, need to be disposed of at a particular location. Proper decontamination and sanitization are needed to make the place healthy again.

Professional restoration services will clean the space and dispose of the waste in the allocated area. A professional wears gloves and a kit to restrict the contamination and decontaminate the affected area to prevent bacterial growth.

Final Thoughts

Flood Damage in Toronto is often considered a devastation when water intrudes into residential or commercial buildings. The first 24 hours are a crucial period to act and prevent the damage. This damage can pose health concerns due to bacterial growth and damage essential properties, too. 

Acting fast at the time of an emergency can reduce the damage and help you avoid costly repairs. Call a professional to handle the flood damage restoration quickly in Toronto. 

ONT Restoration offers emergency restoration services in Toronto and handles water extraction, removal, restoration and mold inspection. We will make your space clean and healthy again for living.