Returning to Your Home After a Flood

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause severe damage to your home.

After your home in Bath, NC has been impacted by flood water, there are a variety of potential hazards that need to be considered prior to you coming back into the house.

Consider the Following Potential Hazards 

Gas Leaks

• Open doors and windows to ventilate and help remove foul odors or leaking gas
• Don’t turn on any lighting, use flashlights instead
• Exit immediately if a leak is discovered and contact your service company

Electrical Hazards

• Don’t turn on lights or electrical appliances
• Turn the electricity off at the main panel before checking circuits or equipment
• Flooded basement – utility company needs to disconnect power from your house
• Have to work on live circuits (not recommended) – don’t rely on basic rubber gloves or rubber-soled footwear, only properly rated equipment is sufficient

Structural Damage

• Watch for falling debris and check for damage to floors and walls
• Knockdown any hanging plaster or drywall
• Unsure of structural damage dangers – call city building inspector or engineer
• Be aware, as water is removed, changes in pressure can cause foundation walls to cave
• Water pressure needs a chance to equalize, pump about a third of the water out each day

Drinking-Water/Food Safety

Supplies affected by flood conditions may be treated by one of the following:

• Mix teaspoonful of commercial laundry bleach with 2 gallons water, let stand five minutes before drinking
• Boil water for 10 minutes in a clean container, eliminate flat taste by shaking in a bottle, pouring from one container to another, or adding a pinch of salt
• Add five drops tincture of iodine solution to one-quart water, mix thoroughly, let stand 30 minutes before drinking
• Use water purifying tablets, available in drug stores or camping equipment outlets
• Don’t use fresh food that’s come into contact with floodwaters

Although we can't prevent floods from happening, we can certainly help with the cleanup and restoration after the waters have receded. Contact SERVPRO of Bath, we're always here to help!