What should you do if your home is flooded?
While you can never foresee a flood event happening, or even desire a situation such as this, it is important to create a plan of action if this does occur to you. Here are some steps to prevent further damage or God forbid, a loss of life.
Before reentering your home here are some things to remember:
· Try to return to your home during the daytime so that you may better inspect the damage and see any hazardous conditions.
· If you are in the dark, or you are still in the home after an event, use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches.
· If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power, even if it delays cleaning.
· If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off. NEVER turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
· If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave your house immediately. Notify the gas company or the police or fire departments or State Fire Marshal’s office, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not return until you are told it is safe to do so.
· If the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you stay for any length of time.
· If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume your home has mold. If your home has been flooded, it also may be contaminated with sewage.
· Throw away unsafe food. Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and those with an unusual odor, color, or texture. Unsafe food can make you sick even if it looks, smells, and tastes normal. When in doubt, throw it out.
· If you have a private well and live in an area with flooding, get your water tested before you use it. Do not use water you suspect or have been told is contaminated to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash, and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.
· Use generators and other electrical equipment safely. Talk to your utility company about using electrical equipment, including power generators. Be aware that it is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices.
· If a generator is online when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service.
· Never use a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
Clean up your home safely:
· Put on protective gear: the water floating around your house may not be sanitary. Flood water can contain harmful bacteria, fecal matter, and even snakes or other critters.
· Wear gloves, masks, and even waterproof boots to protect your skin.
· Document the flood damage
· Remove the water and increase the airflow. Depending on the extent of the water damage, you’ll probably need to contact a flood restoration company to handle the cleanup.
· It’s also important to keep humidity levels low, so after you’ve cleaned up any mess, open the windows and dry out your house using fans, dehumidifiers, and desiccants. This will help prevent moisture from causing lasting damage to your home.
· Be aware of electrical components. If the home is flooded and the electricity is active, there’s a chance that you could be electrocuted. Don’t turn on the lights or touch anything that uses electricity until you are sure the power is off.
· Call your insurance provider