Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Information
Address Post-Flood Concerns with Care
Returning home after a flood poses concerns over several topics: structural safety of the home, danger from snakes, insurance and food safety. Here are some tips to follow when returning to your flooded home. Even if high waters have receded, do not return home until local authorities have said it is safe. You should continue listening to the radio for information and instructions.
Structural Safety... When you enter any flooded building, use extreme caution. Flood waters may have damaged or weakened structures. Do not take lanterns or any open flames into a damaged buildings; a gas leak or flammable materials may be present. Use a battery-operated flashlight.If you smell a gas leak, turn off the main gas valve at the meter, and open windows if it is safe to do so. Do not turn on lights because they can spark and ignite the leaking gas. Leave the building immediately and notify the gas company or fire department.If appliances are wet, turn off power at the main electrical switch before unplugging them. Dry out all appliances, wall switches and sockets before using them again.
Sneaky Snakes... Floods often force snakes into unusual places, so beware of possible snakes when re-entering your home. Snakes are commonly found in homes and barns and around stalled automobiles, building materials, levees, debris and trash.Wear leather or rubber high-topped boots and heavy gloves to protect against snake bites when working in a flood-damaged area. Use rakes or other long tools to move debris.If you encounter a snake, determine if it is poisonous or not. If the snake is poisonous, keep yourself outside the snake=s striking distance, about one-half its body length, and kill it with a long stick or tool. If the snake is not poisonous, you can safely remove it with a shovel.
Insurance Issues... Because any natural disaster keeps insurance companies busy, help claims adjusters by taking pictures of damage to the home and its contents. This will help the adjusters file the claim and reach a settlement quicker. Be familiar with your policy and know what damages it will cover.
Clean Kitchens... Flood-damaged food and kitchen utensils are another problem faced when returning home. Flood waters can carry contaminants such as sewage or chemical waste, so food and utensils must be examined carefully after waters recede.Discard all meat products, eggs and fresh produce. Also throw out home-canned goods, spices, seasonings, flour, sugar, coffee and any products in open or damaged containers.
Foods in undamaged cans or commercial glass jars are safe to keep if the containers are sanitized. To sanitize containers and dishes, wash them in a strong detergent. Then immerse them in a solution of 2 teaspoons chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Glass or metal containers and utensils can also be sanitized by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes.