2 December 2025

What to do in the first 60 minutes of a home flood in Toronto? Time matters when disaster strikes, and contacting an emergency flood service can make all the difference. Water damage spreads faster, and untreated areas can become mold breeding grounds within 24-48 hours. Homeowners face immense stress from flood damage. Response time is a vital factor – several flood restoration companies reach sites within 45 minutes across the GTA. Some companies guarantee arrival within an hour. Flood damage in homes or businesses requires prompt action within the first 60 minutes. This helps prevent lasting problems. This blog outlines the essential steps to take during those first critical moments. You’ll learn everything from safety measures to connecting with 24-hour emergency flood services. Our team has developed a reliable system to manage water emergencies. This system works for homes and businesses. Over 15 years of experience support it. Stop the Source and Ensure Safety Quick action during a flood emergency can prevent further damage and save lives. Safety hazards need your attention first, even before you call emergency flood services. Turn off electricity and water if safe Your home’s electrical power needs immediate shutdown if you can do it safely. Stand on a dry surface and avoid touching anything metal before you flip the main breaker. Next, someone should turn off the water supply to prevent contamination. Move electrical equipment to higher ground if time and safety permit. Note that you should never touch electrical equipment if you’re wet or standing in water. Electrical hazards might remain even after floodwaters go down. Evacuate if flooding is severe You must follow evacuation orders right away – your decision to stay puts both you and potential rescuers at risk. Take these steps before leaving: Your vehicle can be swept away by just 12 inches (30 cm) of moving water, so never drive through flooded areas. Fast-moving water can also sweep you off your feet, so avoid walking through flooded areas. Avoid contact with contaminated water Floodwater poses many risks, including: Contact with contaminated water can cause wound infections, skin rashes, gastrointestinal illness, and tetanus. Rubber boots, rubber gloves, and eye protection are essential if you must enter floodwater. Clean any contacted areas with soap and clean water immediately afterward. Electricity and water create a deadly combination. Flooded basements or buildings might have energized wires, so stay away. Report any downed power lines to the power company but keep your distance. Call Our Emergency Flood Services Immediately Your next vital step after ensuring safety is to contact professional emergency flood services. Quick action now can reduce long-term damage to your property and save money on toronto restoration services. Why timing matters in the first hour The first hour after flooding starts is the most important time to act. Water seeps deeper into your home’s structure with each passing minute and damages your walls, flooring, and valuable possessions. Water damage spreads faster – a simple cleanup job can turn into a major restoration project that needs extensive repairs. Professional flood services know this urgency, so many of them can reach you within 20-60 minutes. Standing water creates perfect conditions for mold, which starts growing within 24 hour emergency flood services. Professional help right away stops this secondary damage. The water often has contaminants like bacteria, sewage, and harmful chemicals. These can harm your health if you expose yourself for too long. How to find 24-hour emergency flood services near you You can find reputable emergency flood services that work around the clock. Professional restoration companies have 24/7 emergency flood service hotlines ready for crises. They can send technicians to your location within an hour of your call, whatever time disaster strikes. Here’s how to find reliable services in your area: What to tell the dispatcher for faster help You’ll get help faster by giving clear, specific information to the dispatcher. Let them know: Note that professional flood restoration technicians bring specialized equipment to extract water and dry structures. Getting them there quickly can be the difference between minor repairs and major reconstruction. Start Initial Damage Control Quick action can reduce damage to your property by a lot while you wait for emergency flood services. Simple steps help prevent water from destroying valuable items and provide key documentation for insurance claims. Move valuables to higher ground You should quickly move important items to higher floors or raised areas. Put valuable documents, electronics, and sentimental belongings in waterproof containers above potential water levels. You can lift furniture pieces on bricks or blocks if you can’t move them upstairs. Start with items in the basement, especially electronics and appliances. Focus on things you can’t replace or items with high financial or sentimental value. Use towels or mops to slow water spread Block water entry points with towels, blankets, or sandbags. Place materials at doorways, windows, and air bricks to create barriers. Remove standing water with pumps, wet/dry vacuums, or buckets. Water flows away better when drains and gutters are clear. Worth mentioning, towels work best as a backup to external barriers, not as the main defence. Document damage with photos for insurance A full picture of the damage is vital for insurance claims. Take clear photos and videos of damaged items before you clean or throw anything away. Include: Smartphone apps can add date and time stamps to your photos and videos. Take pictures from all four corners of each room and show what’s inside drawers, closets, and cabinets. This evidence helps justify every dollar in your insurance claim. Save your documentation in cloud storage or email copies to keep them safe. Prepare for Certified Flood Restoration Professional restoration starts right after the emergency flood services team reaches your property. You’ll feel more prepared both mentally and practically by knowing what happens during the recovery process. What to expect when the team arrives The restoration specialists will check your property to get a full picture of the water damage. They’ll need some details about what happened to create a plan just for you. Their assessment finds both clear and hidden water damage in your walls, ceilings, and floors. They use