The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has been enjoying warm temperatures after experiencing unseasonably cool temperatures this summer, but Flood Services Canada, the leadingflood service in the GTA, warns their customers that heat and humidity often bring severe and unstable weather.
Just look at the flooding that several parts of the province have experienced, particularly Burlington, which received the equivalent of two months’ worth of rain in three hours in early August 2014. There have been several heavy rainstorms this summer, which have kept ourfloodservice in the GTA busy.
As the residents of Burlington found out the hard way, a severe thunderstorm can create a variety of weather conditions that can vary from lightning and heavy raintohigh winds and hail. These conditions can cause creeks and rivers to overflow their banks, which then leads to flooded basements. What’s worse, meteorologists are predicting that this weather may last until October.
As the leading flood service in the GTA, we have a few tips for our clients to prevent flooding, or at least lessen the impact should it occur. Firstly, make sure theeavestroughs on your home are kept clean. You should clean them once in the spring and again in the fall. Secondly, inspect your home’s foundation or basement walls for cracks; you may be able to fill the cracks yourself if they are minor. For more serious cracks, call a professional to waterproof your basement.
Keep a close eye on the radio, television, and Internet for severe weather warnings. Environment Canada will provide constant updates via Twitter, as will the Weather Network and other news outlets. If there’s a possibility of flash floods or heavy rains in your area, move anything valuable upstairs and unplug any electronics. If the power goes out, you can use your smartphone to keep up to dateaboutwhat is happening with the weather, depending on if you can get a data connection!
If you think you might experience basement flooding, keep any furniture in your basement covered with a tarp and raise them onto foam blocks or pads to reduce the possibility of water damage. These foam blocks or pads are relatively inexpensive and can easily be purchased at any hardware store. If your basement does flood and it is from sewage water, the water will contain gross filth and you do not want to risk cross-contamination to other areas. In order to avoid this cross-contamination, make sure you seal the basement vents and the doorway leading to the rest of the home, then stay out of the basement and call us! Also try to make sure your cell phone is fully charged, just in case the phone lines go out as well.
If the unthinkable happens, call us immediately; any hesitation cleaning up after a flood could lead to damage to your home and furniture. In addition, moisture can lead to mould, which causes a variety of health issues for anyone suffering from respiratory ailments.
As the best flood service in the GTA, we are available 24/7 and we can be at a GTA home within one hour following a flood. Time is of the essence in order to avoid subsequent water damage.
You can’t stop a severe storm, but if you follow the tips given in this article and call Flood Services Canada, the top flood service in the GTA, you’ll prevent long-term damage to your home.
