Securing the health and safety of everyone around the area after a flood as well as the security of infrastructure can be a massive task. Before one can even begin to think of the mess created and all the appliances or possessions that have been damaged, flooded rooms can present serious hazards that can only be remedied using special precautions.
There are several ways that a flood can ruin buildings and put people at risk. Here are a few important things to keep in mind after a flood to minimize the risk of damaging the infrastructure as well as the people who live in it:
Find out where the water is coming from
Identifying the source of the water is important because if it comes from waste areas such as the sewage system, the flooded building may now also be inhabited by a crowd of diseases, bacteria, and raw sewage.
Electrical and gas systems are also vulnerable to the effects of flooding and can lead to electrical shocks or fire hazards.
Finally, leftover moisture and water after the cleanup can attract mold and mildew, which are serious triggers for people in the area with asthma or respiratory conditions. The services of mold remediation experts will prove to be invaluable during clean up.
Turn off all sources of power
Once the water levels start rising, one important step to ensuring the safety of everyone in the area is to shut off all the electricity to areas that may already be flooded. Even if the floodwaters have not yet compromised the outlets, electrocution is still a serious risk.
Any appliances that are placed in lower levels of a building, such as laundry machines, furnaces, or freezers, should immediately be shut off. After the flood, make sure to hire water damage repair services to inspect the integrity of all power sources and appliances in the building.
Stop sewer backups
When stormwater enters the sanitary sewer, it can cause the system to overload and the dirty water to backflow into the house. This can be prevented by plugging all openings to the sewer in the building—particularly in the basement or any underground parking lots, where the water could start gushing in.
Secure any valuable possessions
The minute a storm appears to be imminent, prepare any important documents or sentimental objects that need to be saved. This includes any emergency kits, personal papers, tax records, and other household inventories. Keep these items in high shelves—or better yet, in plastic waterproof containers.
Prepare for possible evacuation
Floods are unpredictable. They can happen at any time of the year, and sometimes even without warning. It is important to have a clear evacuation plan in mind with the people around the area so that everyone can immediately take action once they sense a clear and present danger. Make sure to have the local emergency government office’s contact details saved so that everybody can be updated on the safest routes to find shelter during a flood.
Conclusion
Natural calamities are always an unwelcome and traumatizing experience. It can disrupt the day to day lives of thousands of people in a short span of time. In the aftermath of a massive storm, it may be tempting to just grab a container and tackle the disaster alone. However, there are many dangers that remain hidden in the waters.
Restoration Masters is a flood service company with branches around the country. We have the equipment needed to tackle the flood as well as the expertise necessary to determine the source and dangers of the floodwater in your home. Call us now and see how we can help you prepare for natural calamities!
