Short summary:
It may be impossible to avoid a flood but you can lessen its effects before, while and after it happens.
Longer summary:
It may be impossible to avoid a flood but you can lessen its effects before, while and after it happens.
However, you must always be mindful of electrical risks that are possible when flooding occurs. These
simple tips will come in handy if your home is threatened by floodwaters.
Word count: 401
Danger rises as water rises
While catastrophic events like tornadoes and fires ravage homes in little time, floodwaters can
rise quickly but take days to subside. Victims must wait patiently for water to recede before returning
home to start rebuilding their lives. Although it may be impossible to avoid an imminent flood, there are
ways to mitigate its effects before, while and after it happens.
“Watch out for dangers involving electricity during and after a flood,” said NAME, TITLE at COOP NAME. “Keep safety in mind every step of the way. Remember, electricity and water never go
together, and when you’re dealing with floodwater you’re in an especially risky situation.”
Prepare for flooding and electrical dangers associated with it by following these tips. (Don’t do
any of these things if you have to stand in water or on a damp floor to do them.):
Before a flood
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Clearly mark electric circuit breakers or fuses for each area of your house.
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If floodwaters are approaching, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box.
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Unplug small appliances.
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Unplug large appliances (like washers and dryers) and move them onto higher ground or on
blocks if possible.
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Put plugs in toilets, showers and sinks. This will prevent sewer backup.
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Consider getting a backup generator in case your power goes out.
During a flood
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If water covers electrical outlets or plugged-in cords in a room, stay out! The same goes if you
hear buzzing, snapping, crackling or popping sounds.
•
Stay away from any electrical equipment if water is surrounding it. Don’t use electric-powered
equipment if you are standing on a wet surface.
After a flood
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Before entering a flood-damaged building, make sure the electrical system has been turned off.
Do not turn on the lights or appliances unless a licensed electrician says it is safe to do so.
•
Check the outside of your house before walking inside and look for downed power lines or
electrical connections that are in contact with the water. Smell the air for gas. Contact your
electric co-op or the gas company if there is a problem. If water is still surrounding the house,
look to see if there are any cracks or if walls are giving way.
•
If electrical devices end up under floodwaters, throw them away.
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If an electrical appliance is damaged, do not turn it on.
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Prevent electrocutions and electrical shocks by using ground fault circuit interrupters.
Sources: Underwriters Laboratories, IAEI, Moorhead Public Service, About.com
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SIDEBARS
Post flood checklist
Flooding wreaks more havoc than any other severe weather event in the country. Are you a flood
victim? Once floodwaters have subsided and it’s safe for you to re-enter your home be sure you have
these items on hand to assist in your recovery/cleanup efforts.
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Boots. Protect your feet and legs from potential sharp objects and muddy waters with
waterproof rubber-soled boots or waders with hard soles.
Dust mask. A 95 micron mask will filter out mold particles and protect your lungs from
pollutants and possible diseases. Make sure your mask fits securely and snugly to protect your
mouth and nose.
Rubber gloves. Items in flooded areas could be contaminated with sewage, chemicals and oil.
Don’t touch anything unless your hands are gloved.
Hard hats and protective clothing. Many potential hazards loom in houses that have been
flooded: crumbling ceilings, loose and falling debris, trapped standing water. Water-resistant
clothing and sturdy hard hats will help you safely navigate dangerous areas.
First aid kits. A first aid kit is essential for treating minor cuts and scrapes. Seek medical
attention for open wounds.
Flashlight. When venturing into dark areas of your home, don’t forget to carry a flashlight.
Dry wooden stick. Carry a long wooden stick (tree branch or yardstick, for example) to turn off
breakers, unplug cords or even shoo away stray animals that may have entered your house.
Cleanup tools. To try to salvage your home — depending on the damage — you’ll need all the
cleaning tools in your arsenal, including a broom, mop, disinfectant sprays and water hoses.
Trash bags, trash cans. Be prepared to discard damaged items. Depending on the extent of
damages, you may be filling a lot of trash receptacles.
Cleanup tips
It’s a dirty job but someone’s got to do it. When you’re facing the daunting task of cleaning up what
floodwaters have left behind, keep these tips in mind:
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Don’t start cleaning up and repairing damaged areas until it is safe to do so. Get the go-ahead
from a licensed electrician before using electrical appliances. Stay away from exposed wiring
because it could be live.
Call your insurance company (and landlord if you live in a rental property) for advice and
approval before conducting repairs. Take photos of flood-damaged areas for your records.
Get professional advice and assistance to help you repair and restore your home. That includes
hiring a licensed electrician to inspect and repair electrical wiring, equipment and appliances
involved in the flood.
After floodwaters have receded and no water pressure remains on the walls, begin slowly (a few
feet at a time over a few days) pumping the water from the basement or crawlspace. Don’t
pump too fast. Since the ground is still saturated with water, removing the internal resistant
pressure on the walls may weaken them.
To ensure your sump pump is working, you’ll need to clean out mud and debris from the sump
pit.
Making sure the power is off, spray water throughout the house to clear out any mud. Then go
back over walls and floors with disinfectant cleaner. Make your own cleaner by mixing 10 parts
of water with 1 part bleach and dispense it with a pump spray bottle.
As soon as you can, open windows and doors in your flooded home to get air circulating into it
and to begin the drying process. Following manufacturers’ instructions to avoid electrical shock,
turn on fans and dehumidifiers. Remove wet carpeting and padding and any other soaked items
including garbage, furniture and clothing. Clear out anything on the floor. Mold can grow quickly
in warm, moist areas so work just as fast to combat it.