Flooding Resources | ServiceMaster Clean & Restore Sea to Sky

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Safety First. Do not enter any flooded area until you are certain the electricity has been shut off. Standing water and electricity are a deadly combination. If in doubt, wait for professionals.

Immediate Actions

What to Do Right Now

✓ Immediate Actions — Do This

Call ServiceMaster immediately at 778-770-1311 — damage and bacteria growth can begin within hours
Call your insurance company and report the damage right away
Remove standing water by mopping and blotting where safe to do so
Lift wet area rugs and draperies off the floor to prevent warping and staining
Wipe moisture from wood furniture and place aluminum foil under furniture legs
Relocate photos, paintings, books, and other valuables to dry areas
Keep books tightly packed on shelves to minimize warping
Open drawers, closets, and cabinets to encourage air circulation
Document all damage with photos before removing anything
Turn off your HVAC system if water may have reached ducts

✗ Critical Mistakes to Avoid

Do NOT enter rooms with standing water before electricity has been confirmed off
Do NOT use a regular household vacuum to remove water — this can electrocute you
Do NOT attempt to lift tacked-down carpeting without consulting a professional
Do NOT operate any electrical appliances on wet or damp surfaces
Do NOT disturb any visible mould — this can spread contamination throughout your home
Do NOT turn up the heat thinking it will speed drying — this can actually cause mould growth
Do NOT move or adjust any professional drying equipment once placed
Do NOT discard items without documenting them for insurance purposes

Our Response

What Happens When We Arrive

Assessment

Using moisture meters and sensors, we evaluate the full extent of water penetration in walls, floors, and structural elements.

Water Extraction

Industrial-grade pumps and extraction equipment remove standing and absorbed water as quickly as possible.

Drying

High-velocity air movers and professional dehumidifiers are deployed to thoroughly dry all affected materials over 3–5+ days.

Restoration

Once completely dry, we begin the reconstruction phase — restoring your property to pre-loss condition.

Common Questions About Flood Damage

How long does flood damage take to dry?+

Most properties take 3–5 days or more with professional equipment. Complete drying of hardwood floors can take 3+ weeks. We monitor moisture levels continuously throughout the process to ensure thorough, complete drying before restoration begins.

Will mould develop after flooding?+

Mould can begin growing within 48 hours of water damage if moisture is not properly addressed. This is why immediate professional response is critical. Our rapid drying process is specifically designed to eliminate the conditions that allow mould to develop.

Does my insurance cover flooding?+

Coverage varies by policy and the source of water. Burst pipes and appliance failures are typically covered by standard homeowner's insurance, while overland flooding may require separate flood insurance. We work with your insurance adjuster throughout the process and can help you understand what's covered.

Do I need to move out during restoration?+

This depends on the extent of damage, safety concerns, odours, and electrical issues. Your Project Manager will give you an honest assessment. If you do temporarily relocate, forward your mail and notify utility providers.

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💧 Flooding Resources