Mould tops Canadians’ flooding concerns – emergency survey touches on perils of water

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 7, 2019/insPRESS/ – Emergency Preparedness Week is upon us (May 5-11), but it may seem like cold comfort to the people who have been evacuated after rivers have flooded Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario due to snowmelt, rain and increased river levels.

This year, FirstOnSite Restoration, a company that has responded to every catastrophic event across the country over the last decade, conducted an emergency awareness/preparedness survey.

Flooding among Canadians is a main disaster concern

When asked how concerned they were about different types of disasters, seven-in-10 respondents listed flooding (68%) which was statistically tied for top concern along with home fires, winter storms and wildfires. Rounding out the list of top concerns were earthquakes (41%) and hurricanes (37%).

Regional flooding concerns were highest in Quebec (81%) where several communities including greater Montreal have been ravaged by this year’s spring floods. Manitoba (79%) and Ontario (70%) were the other two regions that topped the national level of concern. The number was lowest in Alberta where only half of residents are concerned about flooding.

Six-in-10 Canadians had experienced some type of flooding (58%)

Not all disasters are natural. Sixteen per cent of respondents had experienced overland flooding, the type we’re seeing in the news (where flooding from outside seeps in through windows, doors and cracks). Meanwhile 27 per cent of respondents had experienced a pipe burst and 26 per cent had experienced a leak in the foundation.

Mould tops the lists of flooding concerns

When asked people’s level of concern for specific scenarios due to flooding, mould topped the list

• 77% of respondents were concerned about mould
• 70% were concerned about loss of valuables
• 67% were concerned about major renovations
• 63% were concerned about leaving their homes
• 59% were concerned about personal safety
• 56% were concerned about their level of preparedness in the event of a flood
• 54% were concerned about a damaged roof

“Emergency Preparedness Week is an appropriate time for businesses and homeowners to think about disaster preparedness and how increasing catastrophe can strike at any time,” said Shane Swinson,

SVP, Insurance Portfolio, FirstOnSite Restoration. “With the magnitude of recent weather-related events, now is apt time to prepare for what lays ahead.”

FirstOnSite offers tips for each season and the associated disasters. Right now you can visit 10 Ways to Protect Your Property from Flood Damage.

Survey Methodology

From May 2 to May 3, 2019, an online survey was conducted among a representative sample of 1087 Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes only, the sample plan would carry a margin of error of +/- 3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About FirstOnSite Restoration

FirstOnSite Restoration Limited is the leading independent Canadian disaster restoration services provider, providing remediation, restoration and reconstruction services nationwide, and for the U.S. large loss and commercial market. With approximately 1,000 employees, more than 35 locations, 24/7 emergency service and a commitment to customer service, FirstOnSite proudly serves the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

In May 2016, FirstOnSite joined forces with U.S.-based Interstate Restoration, expanding its resource base, and extending its customer service offering and collectively becoming the second largest restoration service provider in North America.

For more information visit: www.firstonsite.ca or call 1.877.778. 6731, and follow @firstonsite on Twitter at www.twitter.com/firstonsite.

Press Contact:

Dana Sharman
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 x 242
danas@wearemaverick.com