Restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to the house and its contents.

Re-entering your home

  • Do not return home until authorities have advised that it is safe to do so.
  • If the main power switch was not turned off prior to flooding, do not re-enter your home until a qualified electrician has determined it is safe to do so.
  • Use extreme caution when returning to your home after a flood.
  • Appliances that may have been flooded pose a risk of shock or fire when turned on. Do not use any appliances, heating, pressure, or sewage system until electrical components have been thoroughly cleaned, dried, and inspected by a qualified electrician.
  • The main electrical panel must be cleaned, dried, and tested by a qualified electrician to ensure that it is safe.

Ensure building safety

  • Make sure the building is structurally safe.
  • Look for buckled walls or floors.
  • Watch for holes in the floor, broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.

Water

  • Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants. It can cause sickness and infections.
  • If your house has been flooded and you have a well, don’t drink the water. Have it tested first https://novascotia.ca/well-water-testing/
  • Household items that have been flood-damaged will have to be discarded according to local regulations.

Debris & Clean-up

  • Contact the Municipality’s Waste Diversion Officer to determine proper disposal of all household waste, yard waste and demolition debris.

Insurance

  • Contact your insurance Broker prior to entering the property
  • If you need assistance visit https://ibac.ca/

Structures

  • Ventilate or dehumidify the house until it is completely dry.
  • Rinse and then clean all floors as quickly as possible.
  • Replace flooring that has been deeply penetrated by flood water or sewage.
  • Clean all interior wall and floor cavities with a solution of water and unscented detergent.

Mould

  • Mould can lead to serious health problems.
  • You may need to have your home professionally cleaned for it to be covered by insurance. Check with your insurance company.
  • If you are cleaning up in a room where mould is present, wear a face mask and disposable gloves.
  • To minimize mould growth, move items to a cool, dry area within 48 hours and set up fans.
  • Alternatively, textiles, furs, paper and books can be frozen until they are treated.
  • Wet mould will smear if wiped. Let it dry and then brush it off outdoors.
  • You can also kill mould spores by lightly misting the item with isopropanol (rubbing alcohol).

Food and medicine

  • All undamaged canned goods must be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
  • Dispose of all medicines, cosmetics and other toiletries that have been exposed to flood water.
  • Dispose of any of the following food items if they have been exposed to flood water:
    • Contents of freezer or refrigerator, including all meats and all fresh fruit and vegetables
    • All boxed foods
    • All bottled drinks and products in jars, including home preserves (since the area under the seal of jars and bottles cannot be properly disinfected)
    • Cans with large dents or that reveal seepage

Before moving back in

Once the flood waters have receded, you must not live in your house until:

  • The regular water supply has been inspected and officially declared safe for use.
  • Every flood-contaminated room has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and surface-dried.
  • All contaminated dishes and utensils have been thoroughly washed and disinfected – either by using boiling water or by using a sterilizing solution of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water. Rinse dishes and utensils thoroughly.
  • Adequate toilet facilities are available.