The following are helpful tips following a flood:
- Follow the local news and government notices to learn whether your water supply is safe to drink. Water supplies are often damaged or submerged under grey or black water.
- Avoid the floodwaters since they may be contaminated by a variety of contaminants like oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. It can also be electrically charged from downed power lines.
- Avoid ALL moving water.
- Know where the floodwaters have receded since the roads and surrounding areas may have weakened and could collapse under excessive weight.
- As with all catastrophes, you must stay away from downed power lines since they may be hot, and try to report them to the power company, even if you think they may already have been reported.
- Return to your home only when you are re-assured by authorities it is safe to do so.
- Avoid all buildings if they are surrounded by floodwaters.
- Always use extreme caution when entering any building after a flood. There may be hidden damage that could create catastrophic results, particularly in foundations.
- Since damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards, make sure you service your damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Make sure you clean, disinfect, and dry out everything that got wet. Remember, Mud left from floodwater can contain contaminants that need to be removed.
Check FEMA for other helpful information http://www.fema.gov
