Electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions. Try to return to your home during the daytime so that you do not have to use any lights.
Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches.
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave the house immediately. Notify the police or fire departments, and do not turn on the lights or do anything that could
cause a spark. Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.
Your electrical system may also be damaged. If you see frayed wiring or sparks, or if there is an odour of something burning but no visible fire, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the circuit breaker.
Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water. Avoid wading in standing water, which also may contain glass or metal fragments.
All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service. It is advisable to have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question.
Clean-up
Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of one cup of bleach to 22 litre (5 gallons) of water.
Be particularly careful to thoroughly disinfect surfaces that may come in contact with food, such as counter tops, pantry shelves, refrigerators, etc. Areas where small children play should also be carefully cleaned.
Wash all linens and clothing in hot water, or dry clean them. For items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly with a disinfectant.
Steam clean all carpeting. If there has been a backflow of sewage into the house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wall-coverings, cloth and rugs.
Chemical hazards
Use extreme caution when returning to your area after a flood. Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter during flood recovery.
Flood waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places.
If you see any propane tanks, do not attempt to move them yourself. These represent a very real danger of fire or explosion, and if any are found, the police or fire departments should be contacted immediately.
Car batteries, even those in flood water, may still contain an electrical charge and should be removed with extreme caution by using insulated gloves. Avoid coming in contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery.
No comments:
Post a Comment