Fema And Flood Cleanup

When a town or city in America experiences severe flooding, residents are often forced to leave the area to ensure their safety and that of their family. Later, when the flood waters subside and they are allowed to return, they are uncertain about what they will find and how safe their homes will really be. Here are some recommendations for you to follow from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) if you ever find yourself in that difficult situation:

Outside your home, look for sagging roofs and cracks in the foundation, and check for any gas leaks and downed power lines around your home. In case of obvious damage, have a building inspector examine the structure and wait outside for the results.

If you attempt to open the door and it sticks at the top, that means the ceiling might collapse. For your own safety, stand outside of the entrance if you decide to force the door open.

Once you are inside, note that the floors and stairs may be very slippery and covered with debris, and proceed cautiously. You should also have a tetanus shot before you begin cleaning up because you will be dealing with rusty nails, broken bottles and other potential health hazards.

Remember that flood water can carry a variety of toxic chemicals into your home from a wide range of sources, including septic tanks. Items such as contaminated mattresses, wall board, carpeting, spoiled food, medicine and cosmetics cannot be restored and should be thrown out.

After shoveling as much mud as you can out of your home, hose it down (both inside and out), and spray soap as you wash and rinse the floors, walls, furniture and other muddy items.

Mold is another danger

Mold and mildew also flourish in the damp areas of flood-damaged homes, and this can cause respiratory problems. Washing down floors, walls and other mold-contaminated areas with a combination of bleach and detergent will help to eliminate the problem if you follow the directions carefully, and read the warnings on the label.

Electricity should be turned off

This is essential, and you should also remove all light bulbs and the cover plates of damp outlets and wall switches, and unplug all lamps and appliances. If your local building code does not allow you disconnect wiring from outlets and switches, pull them forward and away from the wall.

Standing water should be removed quickly with a wet-dry vacuum cleaner, squeegee or mop, and you should wash your hands thoroughly and frequently as you as are cleaning up and making repairs. Remember, too, that children may be more vulnerable to the contaminants that remain in your flood-damaged home.