Steps To Take When Expecting A Flood

Floods are the most common natural hazard in Canada, and they are also the most expensive in terms of property destruction. Floods can occur in any location, whether rural or urban. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have been affected by floods in the past. 

They can happen at any time of year and are usually triggered by severe rain, quick melting of a dense snowpack, ice jams, or, less frequently, the failure of a natural or man-made dam.

At some point in their lives, all Canadian rivers flood. Flood damage is more likely if development is taking place on low-lying, flood-prone land.

Other causes of flash or sudden flooding, in which warning time is extremely restricted, include hurricanes, heavy rainstorms, and dam bursts.

Individuals play an essential role in reducing the impact of floods, even though all levels of government are attempting to do so. Everyone should safeguard their homes and family.

Taking the time to prepare ahead of time can drastically reduce the impact of a flood. There are three essential steps to this:

• Learn what to do in the event of a flood, including what to do before
• Make a family emergency plan so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency and where to go.
• Invest in an emergency kit so that you and your family can survive a flood for at least 72 hours.

Flood planning will also help you prepare for a variety of other crises. Keep this guide in a convenient location, such as your emergency kit, after you’ve finished reading it.

Before a flood 

To lessen the chances of water damage

• Apply weatherproofing sealant to the bottoms of basement windows and the bottoms of ground-level doors.
• Install downspout drainage far enough away from your home to guarantee that water flows away from the structure.
• Basement floor drains should be equipped with a sump pump and zero-reverse-flow valves.
• Important documents should not be kept in the basement. Keep them at a higher elevation to avoid flooding.

If a flood is expected

• Turn off the furnaces in the basement and the gas valve outdoors.
• Protect electrical, natural gas, or propane heating equipment by taking extra measures.
• Consult your electricity or fuel supplier for guidance on how to proceed if you have adequate time.
• Only turn off the power if the flooding hasn’t started yet and the area around the fuse box is completely dry. When turning off the power, stand to the side of the breaker panel and look away from it. You should bring a flashlight with you.

If there is a chance of flooding

• Furniture, appliances, and other personal items should be moved to floors above ground level.
• To avoid contamination, remove harmful substances such as pesticides and insecticides from the flood zone.
• Remove toilet bowls and use a wooden stopper to plug basement sewer drains and toilet connections.
• If your eavestroughs are connected to the house sewage, disconnect them.
• Sandbags or plastic barriers may be used to protect dwellings in some instances. Follow the directions of local emergency personnel.
• If there is any water present, do not attempt to turn off the electrical. The combination of water and live electrical lines can be fatal. Leave your house right away and don’t come back until police say it’s safe.

Make an Emergency Plan

Every household in Canada requires an emergency plan. It will assist you and your family in understanding what to do in the event of an emergency. Remember that if there is a flood or another disaster, your family may not be together.

Begin by talking about what might happen and what you should do in the event of an emergency at home, school, or work. Make a list of what needs to be done ahead of time to be prepared. Birth certificates, passports, wills, financial paperwork, insurance policies, and other vital family documents should be kept in a waterproof container(s). Determine an out-of-town contact who can serve as a central point of contact in the event of an emergency.

Get a First Aid Kit

You’ll need some essential goods in an emergency. You may have to survive without electricity or running water. Make sure you have enough food, water, and shelter to last at least 72 hours.

Some of the supplies, such as a flashlight, battery-operated radio, food, and water, may already be in your possession. The goal is to keep them well-organized and accessible. In the dark, would you be able to locate your flashlight?

Make sure your kit is portable. Keep it in an easy-to-reach, accessible location, such as your front hall closet, in a backpack, duffel bag, or luggage with wheels. Ascertain that everyone in the home is aware of the location of the emergency kit.

Check For Damage And Clean-Up of Your House

• Examine your property for any signs of damage.
• Avoid entering floodwaters that are moving or still standing. Oil, gasoline, or raw sewage can pollute floodwater and mud.
• Anything that has gotten wet should be cleaned and disinfected. Take the necessary safeguards. Wear protective gear including gloves, safety glasses, and face masks.
• Before attempting to restore the flood-damaged property, consider hiring professional cleaning and repair services.

What to Expect from Icon Restoration

Icon Restoration offers rapid and dependable flood emergency services in Toronto and the surrounding areas 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Furthermore, to avert future calamities, our team leaders work hard to collaborate with and keep our clients informed. 

Our emergency experts have received specialized training and possess the necessary abilities and resources to respond quickly and finish the necessary flood emergency services.

Call (416) 901-4266 for any emergency assistance you may need, Icon Restoration is here for you.