When returning to a home that has been flooded after natural disasters
such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, be aware that your house may
be contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health risks for
your family.
Precautions When Returning to Your Home
Electrical
power and natural gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid
fire, electrocution, or explosions. Try to return to your home during
the daytime so that you do not have to use any lights. Use
battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas
lanterns, or torches. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the
main gas valve, open all windows, and leave the house immediately.
Notify the gas company or the police or fire departments or State Fire
Marshal's office, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that
could cause a spark. Do not return to the house until you are told it is
safe to do so.
Photo of water line on house after flood.Your
electrical system may also be damaged. If you see frayed wiring or
sparks, or if there is an odor of something burning but no visible fire,
you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the circuit
breaker.
Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in
water. Avoid wading in standing water, which also may contain glass or
metal fragments.
You should consult your utility company about
using electrical equipment, including power generators. Be aware that it
is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect
generators to your home's electrical circuits without the approved,
automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical
service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the
improper connection of a generator to your home's electrical circuits
may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area. All
electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before
returning them to service. It is advisable to have a certified
electrician check these items if there is any question. Also, remember
not to operate any gas-powered equipment indoors. (See also Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning.)
Reentering Your Flooded Home
When
returning to a home that’s been flooded after natural disasters such
as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, be aware that your house may be
contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health risks for your
family. When You First Reenter Your Home
Photo of molded
walls.If you have standing water in your home and can turn off the main
power from a dry location, then go ahead and turn off the power, even if
it delays cleaning. If you must enter standing water to access the main
power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off. NEVER turn power
on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing
in water. Have an electrician check the house’s electrical system before turning the power on again.
If the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open
doors and windows to let the house air out for awhile (at least 30
minutes) before you stay for any length of time. If your home has
been flooded and has been closed up for several days, presume your home
has been contaminated with mold. (See Protect Yourself from Mold.)
If your home has been flooded, it also may be contaminated with sewage.
(See After a Hurricane or Flood: Cleanup of Flood Water.)
Graeme Stephens has been running the largest owned carpet cleaning company in new Zealand for 24 years. IICRC qualified "master restoration technician"
