After the waters recede and the immediate threat passes, cleaning up a flooded home still presents a variety of hazards. Your familiar household premises can turn into a danger zone when water is added, no matter where the water originated. First and foremost, if widespread flooding necessitated evacuation, always wait until you get the green light from local authorities before attempting to return to your house. Then, stay safe by observing these cautionary rules for cleaning up a flooded home.
Turn Off The Electricity
If the main power panel is in a wet or flooded area, don't attempt to access it. Have an electrician disconnect power outside at the meter. Even if grid power is out in the entire area, you still need to shut off electricity at your house because power may be unexpectedly restored at any moment.
Shut Off The Gas
Burner flames in stoves, furnaces, or water heaters may have been extinguished by flooding, but flammable natural gas may still be flowing. This presents an explosion hazard and inhalation dangers. Turn off the gas valve at the outside meter, or call the gas company to have them do so.
Be Aware Of Structural Hazards
Saturated building materials become very heavy, and may collapse without warning. Look out for bulging, water-logged drywall or ceilings that are sagging due to absorbed water.
Protect Yourself From Biohazards
Floodwater may contain raw sewage and other toxins. Wear gloves, eye protection, face masks, and work boots to minimize contact with tainted water. Don't wade into or immerse yourself in standing water. Always wash your hands before eating or drinking. Assume that any items such as eating utensils or cookware that have contacted floodwater are contaminated, and sterilize them before use.
Get Professional Help
If you have deep standing water in the house, contact water damage professionals with specialized equipment to remove it safely. DIY methods like consumer-grade pumps can be ineffective, and can present the risk of electrical shock. Generators needed to power such equipment also present carbon monoxide hazards.
For more safety precautions when cleaning up flooded homes, contact Rytech, Inc.
