Be Safe After a Flood

8/28/2020 (Permalink)

Beyond causing damage to your home and property, a flood also creates many dangers that lurk in the floodwater. Stay safe with our tips.

Hurricanes and other storms can cause floods that span communities and even regions. After the storm, you will likely be eager to begin the cleanup and restoration of your home and other property, but know that while the storm may have passed, the danger of flood damage remains. Floodwaters can hide all manner of risky objects and substances.

Know the Dangers That Lurk

The floodwater itself will be far from pristine. Chemicals and random objects will have been swept into the water, so you must take extreme caution when entering floodwater.

Electrical Hazards

Thanks to the strong winds that accompany hurricanes and other powerful storms, electric lines are often lying on the ground or beneath floodwater. Walking or driving through flooded areas puts you at risk for electrocution. Avoid approaching any downed power lines that you can see. Keep away from the water and report the downed line to local authorities.

Because the floodwater may have damaged your home’s electrical system, you should have the system checked by an electrician before turning on lights or running electrical appliances.

Debris

As floodwaters rush down hills and through communities, they pick up objects, such as tree branches, metal objects—just about anything that’s not too heavy—and sweep them along. These random items can be sharp enough to gash you, so wear sturdy rubber boots, gloves and eye protection if you have to walk through floodwater.

Critters

Another reason for caution around floodwaters is that they quickly become a home to animals such as snakes and rodents. Even smaller pools of standing water can harbor lots of disease-causing mosquitoes, so empty out buckets, pools and gutters.

Chemicals and Waste Contamination

Frankly, floodwaters are often filthy, with sewage, oil and chemicals mixed into the brew. Avoid acquiring infections, gastrointestinal illnesses and rashes by staying out of the water, or if you have to wade through, gearing up with boots, gloves and goggles. And don’t use your home’s water supply to drink, cook or bathe until it’s been tested for safety.

Post-Flood Cleanup Safety Tips

As you begin the overwhelming task of cleaning up after a flood, follow some basic guidelines to avoid injury and illness.

Prevent Injury

• If you receive a cut, puncture or other wound while you’re cleaning up, drop everything and seek medical attention.
• Don’t expose wounds to floodwater. Clean the wound frequently with soap and water, and change the dressing often. If your wound becomes reddened, painful, swollen or oozes pus, or you develop a high fever, seek immediate medical attention.

Prevent Illness

• It’s so basic, but wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water. Do not eat or drink without washing up first.
• At day’s end, wash clothing that has been in floodwater separately from your other clothing.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has specialized training and experience in water damage remediation, fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860.649.0836) any time.

If your home or business suffers a flood or other water damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836 for immediate expert water damage cleanup

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If your home or business suffers a flood or other water damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield today at 860.649.0836 for immediate expert water damage cleanup