What to Do When Your House Floods: Essential Moving and Storage Tips
House floods have become a growing concern in Toronto, a city increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. The frequency and severity of floods have escalated, posing significant risks to homeowners. Amidst this growing threat, it’s crucial to have reliable solutions for safeguarding your home, belongings, and essential moving and storage needs ready.
The Partners You Need to Weather a Flood
During a flood, various companies are essential for managing and restoring your home. CARGO CABBIE offers moving and storage solutions, ensuring your belongings are safe and secure throughout the restoration process. Plumbers repair damaged pipes, and electricians ensure wiring safety. General contractors perform structural repairs, and insurance adjusters help secure financial support, and professional cleaners handle deep sanitization. HomeStars is a great tool to source companies to work with should a flood occur in your home.
Understanding the Growing Flood Risks in Toronto
Toronto has seen a marked increase in flood incidents over the past few years. As homeowners, it’s best to be proactive in flood preparedness and response. These factors all contribute to flooding, causing damage to homes and personal property, and highlight the importance of having effective moving and storage solutions in place:
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- Climate Change: As global temperatures rise, so does the likelihood of severe weather events. Toronto’s climate has become more unpredictable leading to an increase in floods.
- Urban Development: Rapid urban development has led to a reduction in permeable surfaces. Concrete and asphalt prevent water from naturally soaking into the ground, leading to increased runoff and overwhelmed drainage systems.
- Aging Infrastructure: Much of Toronto’s drainage infrastructure is outdated and incapable of handling the increased volume of water during heavy rainfalls.
The Impact of Flooding on Homes
Given the potential impacts, have a plan in place to protect your home and belongings. Flooding can have many effects on homes, leading to:
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- Structural Damage: Water can weaken the foundation, walls, and floors, compromising the structural integrity of the home.
- Mold and Mildew: Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, which poses health risks and can further damage property.
- Electrical Hazards: Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Flooding can damage electrical systems and appliances, increasing the risk of fires and electrical shocks.
- Loss of Personal Belongings: Floodwaters can destroy personal items, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental keepsakes.
Managing Flood Renovations
Knowing the renovation process helps when you have a flood. Water removal and drying prevent mold growth, and professionals will assess and repair damage to walls, floors, and structural elements. Furthermore, electrical and plumbing systems will be checked for safety. During renovations, your home will be a construction zone and you’ll need to move your belongings temporarily. CARGO CABBIE moving and storage services offer secure storage solutions to keep your possessions safe, and ready to be returned once your home is restored.
Safely move your belongings during a house flood
To prepare for flood renovations and minimize damage of your belongings, hire professional movers like CARGO CABBIE who are experienced in handling such emergencies. Movers will assess the situation to determine the safest and most efficient way to move and store your items when a flood occurs. Movers use protective materials such as bubble wrap, moving blankets, and plastic sheeting to safeguard items. Once packed and if offsite storage is required, belongings are carefully loaded onto moving trucks, and secured to prevent shifting or damage during transit. The items will then be returned once the work needed is complete.
Essential Storage Solutions for Flood Recovery
Floods can leave your home in a state of chaos, turning it into a construction zone. To prevent your possessions from being damaged or lost, it’s essential to utilize storage solutions that cater specifically to your needs. Storing your belongings in a dedicated storage facility helps keep them secure from the ongoing construction work, reducing the risk of accidental damage. It also prevents items from being crammed into other areas of the house, which can make living conditions uncomfortable and inconvenient. Proper storage during a flood not only protects your items from further damage but also helps you maintain a comfortable living environment throughout the renovation process.
How CARGO CABBIE's Moving and Storage Services Can Help
In the event of a flood, CARGO CABBIE moving and storage can assist with rapid relocation of your items. Our experienced team is trained to handle urgent moves in the event you’ve experienced a flood in your home.
Our state-of-the-art storage facilities in Etobicoke provide a safe space for your possessions during flood renovations. Our storage spaces are climate-controlled and monitored 24/7, protecting your items from damage and theft.
Proper packing is essential to protect your belongings while in storage. CARGO CABBIE offers professional packing services, using high-quality materials to ensure your items are safe and secure.
Collaborate with Your Insurance Provider
When managing home floods, collaborating effectively with your insurance provider is essential. They will require comprehensive documentation, including quotes from respective experts detailing cleanup, repair, moving and storage costs. These quotes should outline the scope of work, required materials, and estimated labour expenses. Additionally, for contents claims, documentation of damaged personal belongings and their respective values is crucial. Providing thorough documentation and promptly filing your claim facilitates a smoother process, ensuring you receive adequate financial support to restore your home and replace flood-affected belongings. Here’s what to know about insurance claims during a flood.
Protect Your Home and Belongings
It’s more important than ever to have a reliable plan in place to protect your home and possessions during a flood, including securing moving and storage services. Don’t wait for a house flood to strike—be proactive and safeguard your valuables with a well-thought-out plan and a list of trusted service providers.
