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Article Series:
Home Emergency Preparation Tips &
Family Disaster Plans
Safety
Tips In Case of a Flood
Conditions during a flood can be dangerous
for some not so obvious reasons. Flood waters may contain toxic
chemicals and will almost certainly breed dangerous bacteria.
Its VERY important that you have your own supply of water for
drinking and washing. If you have any cuts or open sores do
everything you can to keep them protected from flood waters.
The six
most important things to remember if you find yourself
stuck in a flooded area are:
Avoid
contact with flood water whenever possible. If you have
to walk through flood water only do so while wearing boots
that are high enough to protect you from the water.
Wash
your hands with soap and clean, safe water thoroughly and
often. If its available, use antibacterial soap. This is
especially important when preparing food or eating.
Don't
drink any water except bottled water until the water
supply has been certified safe by public officials. Even after
the water supply is declared safe, all water lines to your
home must be disinfected. (Any absorbent surfaces or materials
in your home that have been in contact with flood water may
also contain toxic contaminants, even after they are dry.).
Stay
away from all electrical devices -- even if unplugged
they may have components that could discharge and shock you.
If safe, turn off your main electrical breaker while the power
is off so, when it comes back on, you can decide when it is
safe to turn it back on in your home.
Buildings
that have been flooded can be very dangerous. Ceilings
can fall in, floors give way and the entire structure can collapse
without warning. Have your home inspected by a professional
and certified safe for you and your family.
If you live an an area that might flood, have
a waterproof emergency supply cache with bottled water, ready-to-eat foods,
drinks that don't require refrigeration, first aid equipment,
extra medications, rubber boots, heavy shoes, dry clothing,
thermal blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated
radio, plastic bags for trash and smaller sealable bags for
keeping things dry or just keeping things together and a small
set of essential tools including: a sharp pocket knife, razor-blade
knife, adjustable-wrenches, assorted screwdrivers, adjustable
pliers and channel-locks, rope, twine and bailing wire, duct
tape, electrical tape.
Things to Do and Be Aware Of After the Flood
Standing
water next to the outside walls of the house may
mean it is unsafe to enter. The house needs to be inspected
by professionals and certified safe for you and your family.
Walk around the outside of the house and look
for loose power lines and signs or smells of gas leaks. If you see, hear or
smell anything suspect, call for emergency services.
Do
not smoke or use candles, gas lanterns, camp stoves, or
any other open flame around the house until it has been inspected
and declared free of any flammable fumes.
If you have an outdoor propane tank, inspect it carefully;
tanks tend to float and break away in floods.
Anything in or out of the house that has been in contact with
flood water can be contaminated. Until it is washed off with
antibacterial soap, consider it dangerous to handle.
Beware of silt
buildup in nooks and crannies of a building;
it can harbor dangerous chemicals, bacteria and fungus.
Bad habits can become more frequent under stress. Be aware
that smoking and nail biting can transfer contamination from
your hand to your mouth.
Children who suck their thumb or those so young they aren't
aware of the danger are at risk of hand to mouth infection.
Flood Insurance
Even if your home is not in a location with a “high risk”
for flooding, it is still wise to look into flood insurance.
FEMA has reported that approximately a quarter of all flood
insurance claims were generated in areas that were at a low
or moderate risk for flooding. Devastating floods in the United
States cause more than $2 billion in property damage during
an average year -- in 2005, two hurricanes dramatically increased
that number. Be aware that most homeowners and business insurance
policies do not cover flood loss -- you need to secure flood
insurance separately.
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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