Reentering a flooded house can be a grim and stressful experience. You'll likely be apprehensive about what awaits you and what state your property and possessions will be in. However, you should also remember your own safety and well-being. Homes with water intrusion may have been contaminated with mold and/or bio-hazards from sewage water. There may be other dangers including electrical hazards. You've got a lot on your mind right now and a lot of steps to water damage recovery, but don't forget these safety tips when reentering a flooded house.
- Presume that any flooded house has toxic mold contamination. Also, keep in mind that raw sewage may be present.
- If there's standing water inside and you can turn off the main power switch without entering a wet area, do so. If not, call an electrician. Don't enter any area of standing water inside the house until all power to the structure has been shut off. Before turning the power back on, have an electrician check the premises.
- Make your first entry into a flooded house very brief, just long enough to open doors and windows to ventilate the home. Leave quickly and wait for at least a half hour before reentering the house for a longer period.
- If you have electricity and access to wet/dry vacuum equipment, use it to extract standing water. Wear protective clothing, especially rubber boots.
- Place fans in open windows turned outward to draw tainted interior air out of the home. If available, use a portable dehumidifier as well.
- Have your heating and cooling system inspected by an HVAC professional before turning it on. Air handlers and ductwork may be contaminated and spread mold throughout the home.
For more ways to stay safe when reentering a flooded house, contact the water damage professionals at Rytech.
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