After a Flood

Food and Water Safety

Cleaning After a Flood

Electrical Safety

After a Flood

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.

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.

Gas and electrical safety

  • 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.
  • In some flooded areas water levels may reach or submerge power-bearing electrical cables. Extreme caution must be exercised.
  • If you smell propane, natural gas or hear hissing in or around your home, leave immediately and call 9-1-1.

Food and water safety

If private wells are affected by flooding, stop using them immediately and use an alternative water supply such as commercially bottled water for ALL water use. 

  • Assume that your private well water or lake/river water is not safe to drink. Follow drinking water precautions to protect you and your family.
  • Food that has come into contact with flood water is no longer safe. Any items that have been in contact with contaminated flood water should be discarded.
  • If you operate a food premise, personal service setting or childcare setting, and flood waters enter the building, you must close until further consultation with a public health inspector.
  • Any surfaces or items (e.g. equipment, toys) that have been in contact with floodwaters are considered contaminated and need to cleaned and disinfected appropriately.

For more information on drinking water safety and flooding, visit simcoemuskokahealth.org/flood. 

Flood damage to a boathouse or outbuildings

If your property experienced flooding and appears to have sustained water or structural damage, or has been destroyed by flooding, the Town recommends hiring an engineer or a qualified home inspector to assess the damage. If repairs are needed, please contact the Building Department to see when a building permit is required. Where possible, document the damage to the building with photos.

Safety comes first, structures which have sustained flood damage can be unstable and prone to collapse. Do not enter any buildings that have collapsed or partially collapsed, they will need to be checked by building authorities.

Septic system maintenance

High water levels can seriously impact your septic system. If your property experiences flooding, take immediate action to prevent larger issues.

  • Pump it. Have your septic tank pumped out as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
  • Inspect it. Hire a qualified professional to perform a full inspection when your tank is being pumped. They will need to verify that the tank, filter, and leaching bed have not suffered structural or functional damage.
  • Repair or replace it. If the inspection reveals damage, hire a qualified septic installer to determine the best course of action. Obtain the necessary permits needed to complete the installation or repairs.

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