After a Flood

Food and Water Safety

Cleaning After a Flood

Electrical Safety

After a Flood

After a flood event

Do not return home until local emergency officials announce that the emergency situation is over and it is safe to do so. Before returning, make sure there is a safe water supply and an adequate sewage disposal system in operation. If you are in doubt, contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. Once you return, a few additional precautions will help keep you and your family safe:

  • If the building is primarily flood water-free, inspect the foundations for cracks or other damage before entering. Once inside, examine walls, floors, doors, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
  • If your well has been flooded, assume the water in your home has been contaminated. If you are on a public water system, listen to your local media for news from your health authority to find out if your water is contaminated. Each Health Authority will have a list of boil water advisories for their area.
  • If water is contaminated, bottled water is the best choice.
  • Destroy contaminated foods - Floodwater is contaminated and can make food and drinks unsafe to consume. Destroy all:
    • Non-liquid foods, including cereals, flour, shortening & spices;
    • Packaged food and meats (fresh and cured);
    • Canned goods (if damaged or leaking);
    • Bottled foods, including home preserves;
    • Bottled drinks (contamination can seep under the edge of the cap); and
    • Fresh vegetables and produce.
  • In most instances, flooding will not seriously affect septic tanks. However, flooding may cause damage to your sewage disposal field if you use the system before flood waters have dropped below the distribution trenches in your septic field. It is suggested that you get more information before using your septic system after a flood.
  • lf you lose power during or after a flood, NEVER USE a gas oven, range, barbeque, hibachi or portable propane heater to heat your home. These units use up the oxygen and give off carbon monoxide, which can cause suffocation and death if used indoors.
  • All insulation of any thermally insulated appliances must be properly repaired or replaced before operation if the appliances have been partially or completed submerged. These appliances include: water heaters, refrigerators, freezers and ranges.
  • Call the gas company to check your meter and regulator before using your gas system as flood waters may have shifted your home or caused other stresses to the gas piping.
  • Contact your insurance agency about any damages. Take pictures of your property. Information about flood recovery and assistance programs will be made available or contact your local government for more information.
  • In some flooded areas water levels may reach or submerge power-bearing electrical cables. Extreme caution must be exercised.
  • Do not enter any buildings that have collapsed or partially collapsed, they will need to be checked by building authorities.
  • If you smell propane, natural gas or hear hissing in or around your home, leave immediately and call 9-1-1.

Clean Up

Mould and Indoor Air Quality

After a flood, it’s important to restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to your home and belongings. In an emergency situation, the indoor air quality in your home may appear to be the least of your problems.

However, failure to remove standing water or water damaged materials can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials will allow viruses, bacteria, and mould to grow. These organisms can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

Immediate action is important. Your house and furnishings are less likely to grow mould if they are dried within 48 hours.

  • Washing affected areas with a solution of one part household bleach to ten parts water will remove mould and mildew. The risk of moulds growing will continue as long as there is any significant moisture still remaining in your home, as moulds thrive on moisture and warmth.
  • If you can, wear gloves, boots and eye protection to avoid skin contact with anything that has been contaminated by floodwaters.
  • Keep children away from flooded areas.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and disinfected water to prevent the spread of disease. This should be done before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, and after flood clean up when you may have come into contact with contaminated articles

Resources

Contact Us

Town of Bracebridge
1000 Taylor Court
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1R6
Phone: (705) 645 5264

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