What to Do Immediately After Water Damage (Toronto)

1. Make sure it is safe before you do anything

Do not step into standing water near electrical outlets, panels, or appliances. If you can reach your breaker box safely, cut power to the affected area. If the water is from a contaminated source (sewage or ground water), do not wade in it — it is a health hazard.

In Toronto condo or apartment buildings, notify building management or the super immediately; they can isolate risers and shut off water to your line, and they need to know about any leak that may affect units below yours.

2. Stop the source of the water

For a burst pipe or appliance leak, shut off the main water valve or the fixture's local valve. For a roof or building leak you cannot control, containment is the best you can do until help arrives — use buckets, towels, and plastic sheeting.

3. Limit the spread and protect property

Move electronics, documents, art, and valuables to a dry area. Lift furniture onto blocks or foil pads to keep legs from soaking and staining floors. Remove area rugs and pull-up carpet edges if water is creeping in, but only if it is safe to do so.

4. Document everything for insurance

Take wide and close-up photos and video of the water, the source, and every damaged item before you move or clean anything. Keep damaged materials if you can — adjusters often want to see them. Save receipts for any emergency expenses.

5. Call a 24/7 restoration company right away

Call Shield at (365) 217-9343. We dispatch crews across Toronto and the GTA 24/7 and aim to arrive within 60 minutes to start extraction and drying before mold can take hold.