Be Cautious When Returning to a Flood-Damaged House
Release Date: July 3, 2008
Release Number: 1771-007
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- While many flood victims have already begun cleanup and repairs, some Illinois homeowners and renters are just now returning to their homes, and state and federal disaster officials are urging residents to use caution.
Structural damage may have made the house unsafe; electricity and gas may pose a threat; and snakes, animals and insects may have taken up residence. Disaster recovery experts recommend a careful and systematic approach when returning to any area after a storm or flood:
- Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker and turn off the gas. Call the utility company if you find downed power lines or suspect a gas leak.
- Inspect the outside of the house before entering. Look for cracks in the foundation and make sure that porch roofs and overhangs are adequately supported.
- If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
- Enter carefully. A stuck door may mean that the ceiling is ready to cave in. Furniture and other large objects moved by the flood water could fall, causing injury.
- Check ceilings for signs of sagging. Rain or deep flooding may soak plaster and drywall. It is heavy and can cause injury if it falls.
- Expect floors to be slippery and littered with debris.
- Be on the lookout for snakes and wild and stray animals, and remember that insects may have moved in while the house was empty.
- Do not use generators or other gasoline-powered machines indoors. They emit carbon monoxide that can be deadly. All cooking on camp stoves and charcoal grills should only be done outside.
- Groundwater creates enormous pressure on basement walls and floors. Drain the basement no more than one foot per day to minimize further damage.
- Floodwaters damage materials, leave mud, silt and unknown contaminants and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Dry your home to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.
- The walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and any other parts of your home that have been flooded should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
- Unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Check with your local power company before turning the power on.
- Check with local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by experts before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
- Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals. Also clean salvageable items. For more information on mold prevention and other flooding cleanup issues, check out www.fema.gov.
- Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 07-Jul-2008 08:56:40