After A Flood - Home Owners Check List
Posted by Paul Daniele on Tue, Sep 22, 2009
Natural
Disaster – What to do after a Flood
* Only return home only when local officials have declared the area safe. Listen to your
local radio or TV
stations for updates.
* Before entering
your home, look outside for loose
power lines, damaged gas lines, foundation
cracks or other damage.
* Parts of
your home may be collapsed or damaged.
Approach entrances carefully. See if porch
roofs and overhangs have all their
supports.
* Watch out
for wild animals, especially poisonous
snakes that may have come into your
home with the floodwater.
* If you smell
natural or propane gas or hear a
hissing noise, leave immediately and call the
fire department.
* If power
lines are down outside your home, do not step in puddles or standing water.
* Keep children and
pets away from hazardous
sites and floodwater.
* Materials
such as cleaning products, paint,
batteries, contaminated fuel and damaged fuel
containers are hazardous.
* Check with
local authorities for assistance with
disposal to avoid risk.
* During
cleanup, wear protective clothing, including
rubber gloves and rubber boots.
* Make sure your food
and water are safe. Discard
items that have come in contact with
floodwater, including canned goods, water
bottles, plastic utensils and baby bottle
nipples. When in doubt, throw it out!
* Do not use
water that could be contaminated
to wash dishes, brush teeth,prepare
food, wash hands, make ice or make baby
formula.
* Contact your
local or state public health department
for specific recommendations for boiling
or treating water in your area after a
disaster as water may be contaminated.
The above checklist can be found at The American Redcross along with additional information.
