What to Do After Basement Flooding — The First 24 Hours

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The First 5 Minutes: Stay Safe

When your basement floods, the instinct is to rush in and start moving belongings. This can kill you.

Before entering a flooded basement:

  • Is there any chance the electrical panel is in the affected area? If so, do NOT enter until a licensed electrician confirms the power is safely disconnected.
  • Do NOT use light switches, electrical outlets, or any appliances in the affected area.
  • If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call your gas utility's emergency line from outside.
  • If the flooding is from a sewer backup (sewage odour, dark water), treat it as a biohazard — do not enter without full PPE.

    • Step 1: Stop the Water Source

    If you can safely do so, identify and stop the water source:

  • <strong>Burst pipe:</strong> Locate the main water shutoff valve for your home and close it immediately. In Alberta, this is usually in the mechanical room near the water meter. In BC and Ontario, it may be in the basement near the foundation.
  • <strong>Sewer backup:</strong> Do not attempt to clear — call your water utility emergency line immediately. Sewage backup requires hazmat protocols.
  • <strong>Overland flooding:</strong> Nothing to shut off — focus on what's entering through windows, doors, and foundation.

    • Step 2: Call for Professional Help

    Call ServiceFind at 1-800-692-7119 immediately — do not wait until you have finished surveying damage. Water damage worsens exponentially over time:

  • <strong>0–2 hours:</strong> Structural materials begin absorbing water
  • <strong>24 hours:</strong> Mold spores begin to germinate
  • <strong>48 hours:</strong> Active mold growth, structural damage accelerates

    • The earlier a professional crew begins extraction and drying, the lower your total restoration cost will be.

    Also call your home insurer's 24/7 emergency line. Most major Canadian insurers have around-the-clock claim intake.

    Step 3: Document Everything — Before Touching Anything

    Insurance claims live or die by documentation quality:

    Photo documentation checklist:

  • Take wide-angle photos of every affected room from multiple angles
  • Record video while walking through the space, narrating what you see
  • Photograph the waterline level on walls (tape a ruler to the wall if needed)
  • Photograph all damaged belongings from multiple angles
  • Document the source of water entry (cracked foundation, floor drain, etc.)
  • Capture the date/time stamp in your device settings

    • Do NOT throw anything away yet. Your insurance adjuster may need to inspect damaged items. Ask them before disposing of anything.

    Step 4: Limited Safe Actions While Waiting

    While waiting for professional help, if you can do so safely:

  • Move valuables to dry areas (upper floors, elevated surfaces) — but only if you can do so without entering standing water
  • If safe to do so, place clean towels or rags to slow water spreading to unaffected areas
  • Do NOT use household fans or dehumidifiers in Category 2 or 3 situations — they can spread contamination

    • Step 5: Prepare for the Restoration Crew

    The crew will need:

  • Access to all affected areas
  • Location of your electrical panel, main water shutoff, and HVAC system
  • Your insurance claim number (if you have it)
  • Any known history of flooding in the property

    • After the Crew Leaves: What to Expect

    Drying phase: Industrial dehumidifiers and air movers will run continuously for 3–7 days depending on affected materials. Moisture readings are taken daily.

    Documentation review: Your restoration company should provide daily moisture logs — keep these for your insurance claim.

    Don't rush re-occupation: Returning to a basement before it reaches documented dry standard can cause mold to develop in materials that appear dry on the surface.

    Province-Specific Resources

  • <strong>Alberta:</strong> Alberta Disaster Recovery Program — 1-800-510-2265
  • <strong>BC:</strong> Emergency Management BC Disaster Financial Assistance — 1-888-257-4777
  • <strong>Ontario:</strong> Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program — 1-888-314-4853
  • <strong>Saskatchewan:</strong> Saskatchewan Emergency Management — 1-800-667-9660

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Only if: (1) you are certain the electrical is off or not affected, (2) the water is Category 1 (clean water from a pipe break), and (3) you have access to an appropriate pump. For Category 2 or 3 water, or if electrical safety is uncertain, wait for professionals. Improper water extraction can spread contamination.
    Permanent damage can begin within hours — drywall and wood framing absorb water rapidly. Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours. Structural materials that remain wet for more than 72 hours are at high risk of mold contamination and may need to be removed entirely. Act immediately.
    Call both simultaneously or call restoration first. Insurance companies do not need to approve work before you begin emergency mitigation — in fact, your policy likely requires you to mitigate further damage. Document everything before work begins. Most restoration companies work directly with adjusters.

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