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March 17, 2010

After the flood: The rain has ended and the water has begun to recede. Now what?

The rain has ended and the water has begun to recede. Now what?

Avoid floodwaters, which may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage.

Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters.

Never attempt to drive into or through floodwaters. A vehicle can be quickly swept away by as little as 2 feet of moving water.

Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.

Avoid all downed powerlines. Electrical current can travel through water. Assume all wires are live. Report downed electrical wires to a utility company or local authorities.

If you were evacuated, inspect for cracks or other damage before returning to a building. When entering, use extreme caution; making sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.

Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents for insurance claims.

Look for hazards such as broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, submerged furnaces or electrical appliances and damaged sewage systems. Report them to the utility company or local authorities.

Until local authorities proclaim your water supply safe, boil water for drinking and food preparation vigorously for 5 minutes before using.

Flooded buildings should be pumped out and disinfected. Pump out basements gradually, about one-third per day, to avoid structural damage. After the water is pumped out, solid wastes should be disposed of in a functioning sewage disposal system or sealed in plastic bags for disposal in an approved landfill.

All flooded floor and wall surfaces should be washed with a solution of two capfuls of household bleach for each gallon of water.

Carpeting, mattresses and upholstered furniture should be disposed of or cleaned and disinfected by a professional cleaner.

Dampness in basements, walls, carpets, and wood provide an excellent environment for mold to flourish. If you see or smell mold, take immediate steps to eliminate the excess moisture.

Throw away food that has come in contact with floodwaters.

Do not turn your yard into a dump. Have debris hauled away before it causes additional heath hazards.

Yards that have been contaminated by flooded sewage systems should be disinfected by a liberal application of lime. Children and animals should be kept away from limed areas until the lime is no longer visible.

If your home, apartment or business suffered damage, call your insurance company or agent who handles your flood insurance right away to file a claim.

Be a good neighbor. Make sure those around you are safe and have the help that they need.Be prepared for a rough time.

Recovering from a flood is a big job that is taxing on the body and spirit. The after-effects of this type of disaster may last a long time. Consult a health professional on how to recognize and care for anxiety, stress and fatigue.

Source: Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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