Stay Safe After a Flood Disaster
Flooding can be devastating to your home and belongings. To ensure your safety, follow these essential steps:
- Turn off the power: Switch off the main electrical panel or circuit breaker at the service entrance of your home.
- Unplug appliances: Unplug all electronics, computers, and other sensitive devices from the power source to prevent damage from water.
- Use a bucket: Place a bucket under doors to catch any water that tries to enter your home. You can also use it to mop up standing water on floors.
Restore Your Home Safely
To minimize further damage, follow these steps:
- Assess the situation: Take inventory of damaged or destroyed items and document their condition.
- Document your loss: Keep records of damaged or lost property to facilitate insurance claims or repairs.
- Mop up standing water: Use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to clean floors and surfaces, but be cautious not to spread mold or mildew.
Post-Flood Safety First
Flooding can lead to a range of health problems. To ensure your safety, follow these guidelines:
- Use air fresheners: Replace any essential oils or fragrances with hypoallergenic alternatives.
- Keep pets indoors: Prevent them from getting injured by flooding water and debris.
- Clean contaminated surfaces: Use gloves, a face mask, and a disinfectant to clean surfaces that have been in contact with floodwater.