Dangers to be Aware After a Flood

In the aftermath of a flood, houses are vulnerable to multiple dangers. Whether it’s bacteria, mold, power, or rapid flows — all pose a threat to your health and security of the occupants. Here are the most frequent hazards following a home flood, and tips to prevent them:

Infections and Diseases

Diseases can be contracted by eating or drinking contaminated products. Floodwaters can immediately infect food with bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, or indirectly during a power surge. There’s also the risk of wound infection when coming in contact with floodwater.
Food that comes in direct contact with floodwater, including bottled drinks and products in jars, ought to be discarded. Intact, canned goods may be cleaned and cleaned.
Perishable foods such as eggs or meat, which are left at above 5 degrees Celsius for over four weeks, should also be lost.
All medications, makeup, and other toiletries which have touched floodwater must be thrown off.
Those who’ve made contact with floodwater should practice decent hygiene — wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Children must not be allowed to play in floodwater or with toys contaminated by floodwater.
Individuals who have an open-ended ought to cover it with a waterproof bandage and also prevent exposure to floodwater.

Rapid Flowing Waters

It’s essential to avoid driving through flowing water even if it’s just a couple of centimeters deep. The automobile may break down or have swept away.
Individuals who choose to drive on flooded streets must monitor road conditions and comply with closed indications. They should also be aware of road hazards such as mud, building debris, tree limbs, and potholes.
Walking through flowing water must be avoided as well. Rapidly moving water could be fatal, even for experienced swimmers.

Respiratory Hazards

Places with mold, which may form within 24-48 hours of flooding, should be avoided. Mould must be eliminated before moving back into the home. For mold and water damage repair and cleanup, an expert damage restoration company, for example, PuroClean, should be hired.
Gasoline, propane, and diesel-powered equipment ought to be conducted just in well-ventilated outdoor areas to prevent carbon monoxide
It is ideal to steer clear of building materials that may contain lead, such as painted surfaces and pipes.
Nobody must enter areas where asbestos may have been used as a construction material.

Chemical Exposure

Those who are returning home after flooding should know about potential chemical hazards which floodwaters might have carried.
Just firefighters or other trained personnel should proceed with propane tanks, as they may cause a fire or explode.
It’s best to stay away from flooded cars to prevent electric shock and contact with acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery.

Electrical and Gas Dangers

Property owners should not enter their homes if the primary power switch was not turned off before the flood. A qualified electrician should first declare the home protected before re-entering.

The home has to be evacuated if anybody smells methane gas inside.

To learn more about home flooding safety, here are tips to shield homes from floods and how to keep water from a basement. The PuroClean of Brampton team stands ready to provide expert restoration solutions to any home affected by fire, water, or mold damage.