Staying Safe This Flood Season

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping Safe During the Flood Season

Hopefully, you've prepared your home for potential flooding in Colina Del Sol Park, CA, this year, but now it's time to prepare yourself. The importance of brushing up on flood safety information before disaster strikes cannot be overstated. Here are four safety tips to ensure your well-being if your home is affected by flooding.

1. Watch out for floodwater. Assume any floodwater you see is contaminated. These waters may have come into contact with sewage or other hazardous materials (such as chemicals). Debris carried by the water may have sharp edges, and dangerous insects or animals could be lurking just under the surface. Floodwater is also much stronger than it seems. Do not attempt to wade through moving water; you can quickly be knocked over or swept away.

2. Use good judgment around electricity. Always turn off all power and gas before entering a flood-damaged home. Never attempt to use electrical appliances that have come into contact with floodwater until they have been checked for safety. Avoid downed power lines and keep yourself far away from any standing water in their vicinity.

3. Know how proper sanitation affects your health. Sound flood safety practices include discarding any flooded items that cannot be sanitized. This includes water-retentive objects like rugs and stuffed animals, cosmetics and toiletries, and any wooden kitchen utensils. Always inspect and disinfect packaged food before use. Even things that appear to be sealed may have punctures or cracks you cannot see. If you just don't know, let it go.

4. Be mindful of physical dangers. Most serious accidents occur during the clean-up process. Be careful when moving heavy waterlogged objects, wear protective clothing to avoid cuts, and don't do anything that might result in a dangerous fall. It's always safer to consult with restoration experts before attempting difficult cleanup procedures yourself.

Though you'll want to quickly survey any damage and begin cleaning up immediately after a flood, the most important part of any post-disaster restoration is assuring your family's well-being with proper flood safety. It is always possible to repair your home. It may be more difficult to repair your health.