Homeowners Tips:
Cleaning Up After A Flood Strikes
By Carlo
Morelli
The value of knowing how to respond to an emergency
has never been so clear, with one of the worst hurricane
seasons ever behind us. Educating yourself on what to
do in a flood, therefore, is one of the key disaster
preparedness issues. Here are some valuable tips homeowners
should be aware of when cleaning up damage left behind
by a flood.
Don’t Go Near the Water: Floodwaters
can be some of the most contaminated water you will
ever come in contact with. Seek medical attention right
away if you or a family member has been exposed to flood
waters for any length of time. Topical floodwater contact
could lead to serious infections. If you believe you
or anyone else has drunk floodwater, seek medical care
at your local hospital or clinic as soon as possible,
as the dangers of infection are even worse.
Tread Lightly: Stay out of any buildings
or structures that still have floodwaters encircling
them. Don’t underestimate structural damage floodwaters
can cause. A structure's foundation can be significantly
weakened by floodwaters in relatively short periods
of time, especially in older structures. Foundations
can sink and become unstable, causing cracks and gaps
in the flooring, even a house’ total collapse without
warning. An apparently sound structure may also have
suffered gas leaks, electrical damage, or water line
damage, so you should steer clear of such buildings
until local officials have declared them safe .
Wait Until the All-Clear: Just because
the rain has stopped and the floodwater seems to be
withdrawing, doesn’t mean its safe to go home and start
cleaning up. Of course you’ll be anxious to find out
what damage if any has been done to your property, but
sometimes, floodwater damage creates many a hazard that
requires professional clean up before the area is cleared
as safe to local area residents. Keep watching for information
on the weather if you have access to local radio or
television stations, which will inform you of any threat
from incoming storms, or other floodwater-related dangers
in your area.
Handle with Care: You should inspect
flood-damaged buildings cautiously once local officials
have judged the area safe. Start with examining your
house carefully. Tread carefully; flood damage can weaken
structures. Do not smoke inside the building. (gas leak
hazard) Bring battery-operated flashlights or lanterns
as electricity may be cut off. Study the floors, walls,
doors, staircases, and windows closely to make sure
the house is not in danger of collapsing, using the
flashlight to look at the foundation for cracks or other
signs of damage.
After you've examined the structural integrity of the
building, check for damage to the utility systems. Find
and note down damage to the building's gas, electrical,
and sewage system. Check for gas leaks by listening
for a small hissing noise and smelling the gas in the
air. If you suspect a gas leak, shut off the main valve
immediately and contact the gas company.
Carlo Morelli writes for OnlineTips.Org, where you
can read tips on home
security alarm monitoring, video
equipment for home security and other home/garden
topics.
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