10 Things You Should NOT Do After a Flood
Each year, floods cause a considerable amount of damage and affect millions of people worldwide. With a proper flood mitigation plan in place, some of the losses can be avoided. While some things may seem like common sense, there's a lot to think about after a flood occurs. Here are 10 things to make sure you do not do after a flood:
While most people know its not a good idea to mix electricity and water, sometimes its hard to tell if a line is dead. Do not stand in water and attempt to remove electrical wires. Even if you don't have power, that doesn't mean the wire does not have electricity flowing through it.
After a flood, snakes, rodents and stray animals can be extremely dangerous. From bites to diseases, never handle or approach animals after a flood. Keep in mind that insects can also carry diseases and are a huge nuisance after a flood.
Even years after flood waters have receded, mold can cause major problems. When hurricane Ike hit Texas, millions of tons of debris had to be removed due to growing mold and mildew problems.
Always wear protective gloves and clothing after a flood, as chemicals, animals and debris can cause serious illness or injury. You may also want to wear a protective mask since many chemicals and mold can cause respiratory problems.
After any major disaster, especially a flood, you should always have your home inspected for any unseen damages. Structural issues aren't always apparent once flood waters recede.
When your house floods, so does your septic tank or sewage system. Raw sewage is extremely dangerous and can carry many infectious agents. Before resuming your regular routine, be sure your plumbing system is functioning properly.
Do not drink the water after a flood until you have gotten clearance from the city. Whether you have a well, spring water or city water, the system may have been contaminated during the flood. Drink bottled water until you can have a professional test your water. Food in your pantry can also be dangerous. High humidity and the spread of insects can cause even seemingly dry foods to become infested. Throw out dry goods in boxes and anything that came in contact with flood waters.
While candles may seem like a good alternative to using electricity during a flood, they can be just as dangerous. The main reason you should not light a candle is due to the possible presence of flammable liquids. You don't want to create a fire hazard on top of the flooding situation.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless glass, making it important to keep a detector for it in your home. Be sure to keep generators and gas-powered heaters in areas with good ventilation and also make sure your home is properly ventilated during flood clean up.
You may still have water in your basement after the flood waters outside have receded. Even a small amount of water can cause structural damage, therefore, you could experience a wall collapse when removing the water. If you pump it out too soon, you could be looking at costly structural damage.
Keep yourself and your property out of harms way by avoiding these actions above. Big Bags USA® is here to help you with all your flood preparation needs! Our patented flood barrier systems provide lightning fast flood protection at a fraction of the cost associated with rapid deployed systems. Be prepared by contacting Big Bags USA® today at 1-800-337-0537!
1. Using Electricity.
While most people know its not a good idea to mix electricity and water, sometimes its hard to tell if a line is dead. Do not stand in water and attempt to remove electrical wires. Even if you don't have power, that doesn't mean the wire does not have electricity flowing through it.
2. Handling Animals.
After a flood, snakes, rodents and stray animals can be extremely dangerous. From bites to diseases, never handle or approach animals after a flood. Keep in mind that insects can also carry diseases and are a huge nuisance after a flood.
3. Misunderstanding Dangers of Mold & Mildew.
Even years after flood waters have receded, mold can cause major problems. When hurricane Ike hit Texas, millions of tons of debris had to be removed due to growing mold and mildew problems.
4. Forgoing Protective Gloves.
Always wear protective gloves and clothing after a flood, as chemicals, animals and debris can cause serious illness or injury. You may also want to wear a protective mask since many chemicals and mold can cause respiratory problems.
5. Passing on Home Inspection.
After any major disaster, especially a flood, you should always have your home inspected for any unseen damages. Structural issues aren't always apparent once flood waters recede.
6. Ignoring Septic and Sewage.
When your house floods, so does your septic tank or sewage system. Raw sewage is extremely dangerous and can carry many infectious agents. Before resuming your regular routine, be sure your plumbing system is functioning properly.
7. Eating and Drinking Water.
Do not drink the water after a flood until you have gotten clearance from the city. Whether you have a well, spring water or city water, the system may have been contaminated during the flood. Drink bottled water until you can have a professional test your water. Food in your pantry can also be dangerous. High humidity and the spread of insects can cause even seemingly dry foods to become infested. Throw out dry goods in boxes and anything that came in contact with flood waters.
8. Lighting Candles.
While candles may seem like a good alternative to using electricity during a flood, they can be just as dangerous. The main reason you should not light a candle is due to the possible presence of flammable liquids. You don't want to create a fire hazard on top of the flooding situation.
9. Underestimating Carbon Monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless glass, making it important to keep a detector for it in your home. Be sure to keep generators and gas-powered heaters in areas with good ventilation and also make sure your home is properly ventilated during flood clean up.
10. Pumping Out a Basement Too Soon.
You may still have water in your basement after the flood waters outside have receded. Even a small amount of water can cause structural damage, therefore, you could experience a wall collapse when removing the water. If you pump it out too soon, you could be looking at costly structural damage.
Keep yourself and your property out of harms way by avoiding these actions above. Big Bags USA® is here to help you with all your flood preparation needs! Our patented flood barrier systems provide lightning fast flood protection at a fraction of the cost associated with rapid deployed systems. Be prepared by contacting Big Bags USA® today at 1-800-337-0537!
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
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