When it comes to a major floor or home water damage issue, you need the pros from Certified Disaster Services. Our 24/7 disaster services include full water damage restoration and other areas that will help you and your family get back on your feet quickly and without a prohibitive cost.
In the immediate aftermath of a flood or major water damage in your home, several basic dangers exist to you and your family’s health. Let’s look at a few of these areas, and some tips you can take to avoid them.
Infections
• Immediately throw away any food that’s come into contact with flood water, including products in jars or bottles. Intact canned goods can be washed and disinfected.
• Discard any perishable foods that have been left above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours.
• Wash hands frequently and take good hygienic care if you’ve contacted flood water.
• Don’t let kids play in flood water, or with toys contaminated by it.
• Throw away all medicines, cosmetics or toiletries that contacted floor water.
Mold and Respiratory Hazards
• Avoid any areas with visible mold growth, which generally forms within 24-48 hours of a major water damage issue.
• Stay away from building materials that might contain lead, such as pipes or painted surfaces.
• Only run gas, propane, and diesel-powered equipment in well-ventilated areas, to prevent carbon monoxide issues.
• Be careful of asbestos poisoning.
Chemical Exposure
• When returning to your home, be aware of chemical hazards that could have been present in flood water.
• If you see batteries or any other electronics in flood waters, stay far away to avoid electrical shock and be careful of any acid that may have spilled into water.
Electric and Gas
• Never touch electrical lines, wiring or any equipment during or after a flood, and report all fallen power lines immediately.
• If your home is flooded and the main power switch has not been turned off, do not enter the home until this is done.
• Evacuate your home if you smell or detect gas, and immediately notify your gas company.
• Don’t walk through flood water if downed power lines or any form of electrical current is present.
For more on how to avoid contaminants after a flood, or to learn about any of our water damage restoration services, speak to the pros at Certified Disaster Services today.
