How to Prepare Your Restaurant from Water, Fire, and Mould Risks
Owning and operating a restaurant in Alberta is no small feat. Beyond the daily pressures of staffing, menu changes, and customer satisfaction, hospitality businesses face another set of challenges — environmental and structural risks that can cause costly disruptions. From sudden kitchen fires to hidden mould growth or unexpected water damage, these incidents can put staff safety, customer trust, and your revenue at risk.
The good news? With the right prevention strategies and an understanding of Alberta-specific hazards, you can dramatically reduce the likelihood of needing major repairs. At the Alberta Hospitality Association, we encourage our members to think of property care as business care. Here’s a practical guide for protecting your restaurant from the three most common restoration concerns — water, fire, and mould — plus tips for quick recovery if the unexpected happens.
Water Risks:
Freezing winter temperatures can burst poorly insulated pipes, while summer storms can overwhelm drainage systems. Schedule seasonal plumbing checks, clear gutters and sump pumps, and inspect kitchen equipment — like dishwashers and ice machines — for slow leaks or damp smells. If a major leak occurs, shut off the main water valve and contact your restoration partner immediately.
Fire Risks:
Busy kitchens, open flames, and hot oil make fire prevention a daily priority. Clean hoods and grease traps regularly, keep flammable materials away from heat, and book electrical inspections to prevent wiring hazards. Ensure staff are trained in fire extinguisher use and evacuation plans, and always have even small fires professionally assessed for lingering smoke or soot damage.
Mould Risks:
The Hidden Threat to Health and Reputation Why It’s a Concern: Mould thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas, making kitchens, basements, and storage rooms prime targets. Beyond health concerns, visible mould can cause serious reputational damage if seen by customers or health inspectors. Prevention Measures: Maintain proper ventilation in cooking and cleaning areas, repair leaks promptly, and use dehumidifiers in moisture-prone spaces.
Response Tip: If mould is spotted, resist the urge to scrub it away yourself — improper cleaning can release spores into the air. Call a certified mould remediation specialist.
The Value of a Local Emergency Response Plan. Every minute matters during a property emergency.
Create a written plan that covers:
Who shuts off utilities in a crisis
Where emergency contacts are posted (including insurance and restoration services)
Which staff roles handle evacuation and safety checks
How to secure stock and perishable inventory during downtime
Test this plan annually so everyone knows their role. Partnering with Alberta-Based Restoration Experts Having a relationship with a restoration partner before you need them ensures a faster, smoother recovery. DKI St. Albert and DKI Calgary have worked with Alberta restaurants of all sizes to restore kitchens, dining rooms, and storage areas after water, fire, and mould incidents — minimizing downtime and helping owners get back to business quickly. Our teams understand the unique needs of the hospitality industry, from meeting food safety standards to working around service hours to limit disruption.