Staying safe when your home or office floods
When you have a flood event in your home or office, the water generally surprises you when it begins. At this time, you are relegated to a limited range of choices, all of which should be productive for your situation and not counterproductive. The sole objective should always be safety. Keeping a clear head and making every move count will help immensely and is the only way forward.
When the floodwater begins to recede and the cleanup is underway, your thoughts may turn to how to get back into your home or business and start the rebuilding. While this is a very natural thought process, problems will exist that must be cared for first.
For instance, wood that has been submerged in water has likely become soaked and unstable. Rebuilding too soon after a flood can cause continuing problems such as mold growth, rodent, snakes, or insect infestations, and deterioration of the wood and wall coverings.
Floods always bring foul and unsanitary water into your home. The water will do damage to all porous materials so most building materials must be removed and replaced with new materials. Not doing so would lead to an unsafe condition.
Here is a checklist showing what to do and how to stay safe after a flood event:
- Inspect the exterior of your building for structural and electrical damage to determine if it is safe to enter
- Be extremely vigilant with all electrical wiring, lighting, and electrical appliances
- Look and smell for gas leaks or the presence of all combustible material and always use battery-powered light sources until otherwise established
- If you use chlorine bleach, be very careful never to mix it with ammonia or vinegar
- Be sure to always wear rubber gloves, eye protection, and stout footwear
- Be watchful for snakes, rodents, or other animals that can wash in with the floodwaters
- In the presence of mold, vacate the area immediately until you are wearing a respirator that can filter spores and keep you safe
Just make sure that everyone is out of the danger of further flood water, fire, and falling building debris. Always assume that flood water and flooded materials are contaminated and look out for black mold. Also, stay aware of the status of all food and water sanitation.
Until your local water company, utility, or public health department declares your water source safe, you must purify your water, not only for drinking and cooking but also for washing any part of the body or dishes. Remember, what you do in the first moments of a flood are extremely important and making the wrong move could put you and your family or employees at risk!
