Hopefully you are one
of the lucky ones who have not been impacted by any flooding. For those of you who were not as fortunate
you are left to deal with the emotional trauma and a variety of cleanup
issues.
When the flood waters
start decreasing, there are many dangers left behind. Many homes, buildings,
possessions, and roadways are destroyed. Flood waters often become contaminated
with many things that could be detrimental to your safety and health. The
following are helpful tips on what to do after a flood occurs. If you have been following previous blogs some
of this may sound familiar and are worth repeating.
Stay informed. Listen
to your local news to keep up to date on conditions. If your area was
evacuated, do not return until authorities have said it is safe to do so.
Avoid flood waters,
as they may be contaminated by toxic chemicals, debris, sharp objects, power
lines, sewage and other substances.
Stay away from downed
power lines and report them to the local electrical company.
Avoid standing water
as it may be electrically charged from underground or power lines that went
down.
Do not attempt to
drive through areas that are still flooded. Pay attention to the road closure
and cautionary signs. Roadways may be collapsed underneath the flood waters.
Ensure buildings are
structurally safe before entering. Look for warping, loosened or cracked
foundation elements, cracks, holes, and damage to the walls and floors. Stay
out of any building if it is surrounded by flood waters.
Record details of
flood damage. Before removing any water or making repairs, make sure to
document the damage for your insurer by taking photos or videos.
Report damage to your
insurance. Notify your insurer as soon as possible after the flood. They will
need to know the state of your home and any repairs you intend to do right
away.
Maintain good hygiene
during flood cleanup. Use proper personal protective equipment such as rubber
gloves, masks, heavy boots and protective clothing. Wash your hands with soap
and water if you come into contact with any remaining flood water or materials
which have been potentially contaminated by flood water.
Practice safe
cleaning. Remove and throw out anything that was contaminated with flood water
or sewage, such as drywall and insulation. Throw away items that cannot be
washed or cleaned with bleach, such as mattresses, pillows and carpet.
Avoid drinking water
and eating contaminated food. Do not drink the water until authorities declare
water is safe. Drink bottled water if it was not contaminated by flood water.
Throw away any food that did or may have come into contact with flood waters.
