Floodwaters are Dangerous! Stay Safe by Knowing the Risks

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Beyond surviving the flood and managing the cleanup, you also need to avoid the hidden and sometimes deadly dangers of floodwaters.

Floods are among the most devastating natural disasters. They can destroy homes and property, leaving you with a challenging cleanup and an uncertain recovery. In addition to all that, floodwaters also pose less-obvious safety hazards to you and your family. You’ll be safer if you know what the often-hidden risks are after a flood.

Electrical Hazards

Because storms that cause flooding can bring strong winds, power lines often get knocked down, putting you at risk for electrocution if you walk or drive through flooded areas. If you see downed power lines near your home, don’t go near them. Instead, stay away from the water, get to a safe place and alert local authorities.

Your home’s electrical system may have been damaged in the flood, so don’t turn on light switches or use electrical appliances until you have your system checked for safety.

Chemicals and Waste

Floodwaters are often filthy and contaminated with chemicals and sewage. Stay out of the water as much as you can to avoid gastrointestinal issues, infections and rashes. Have your home’s water supply tested for safety before drinking, cooking or bathing.

Debris

Floodwater can hide sharp objects or other dangerous debris. If you must walk or drive through floodwater, protect yourself by wearing rubber boots, gloves and eye protection.

Insects and Animals

Keep a lookout for wild animals, such as snakes and rodents, in floodwaters. Mosquitos can also increase in flooded areas, so get rid of standing water in buckets, gutters, pools or other containers as soon as possible.

Be Safe During After-Flood Cleanup

When you return home to start water restoration cleanup, avoid illness or injury by following some additional safety tips.

Keep Clean

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before you eat or drink.
• Each day, wash any clothing that has come in contact with floodwater separately from other clothing in hot water and laundry detergent.

Keep Healthy

• If you have an existing wound, avoid exposing it to floodwater. Wear gloves and clean the wound frequently with clean water and soap, and change the wound dressing often.
• If an existing wound develops redness or swelling, or you notice other signs of infection (such as a high fever or pain), seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• If you sustain a wound during cleanup, especially from a dirty object, seek medical attention ASAP.

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield has specialized training and experience in water damage remediation, fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860.633.8791) any time.

When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791

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When you have suffered a water or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791