After the Flood

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Flooding is continuing in the mid west. I asked you on Monday to share the flooding information I posted. Did you do it? In the last 24 hours 60,000 acres have been added to those already flooded. We need to share this information. Send out emails today and attach a link to this post or Monday’s post. The Mississippi has still not crested in many areas and there is still time to help those who may need to evacuate. For those returning home let’s help them with information they may need to stay safe as they clean up.

Before beginning any cleanup make sure you have good, heavy shoes or boots and work gloves.

After the Flood has passed:

1. Report damage to your insurance agent immediately. As soon as you know you will have damage to your home call your agent, even in the middle of the night. Claims are processed in the order they are received, so be the first to call. Be sure to have your policy and home inventory available when they return your call. You should have copies of these in your 72-hour kit.

2. Walk around the outside of your home and check for gas leaks, loose power lines, and structural damage before entering. Watch for snakes, rodents, and dangerous debris. Do not walk through flowing water; just six inches of water is enough to cause you be knocked off your feet.

3. Open exterior doors slowly, because sticking may indicate that the ceiling may be ready to fall. If you have to, stand clear and force the door open. Wait 10 minutes before entering to make sure it is safe. Be careful because steps and floors may be slippery.

4. Turn off main electricity and gas valves, if you smell gas or have been advised to do so, into your home, if it can be done safely and without walking through water. Once the power has been turned off, unplug appliances and lamps. Remove light bulbs, wet switches and outlet plates. Remember, before you turn your gas back on or light a pilot light, contact your utility company or fire department. Do not use gas lanterns, candles, open flames, and do not allow anyone to smoke, since there may be explosive gas in the air even after the main is shut off. The gas may also be coming from your neighbor’s home.

5. Take photos for your records. Before you begin the clean up process take pictures of everything — lots and lots of pictures, from every angle. You want to be able to prove the damage was caused by the flooding or storm and not caused by neglect, lack of maintenance or by a second storm.

6. Make an inventory list of all damaged contents. Not all contents are destroyed by water but may be able to be cleaned and disinfected. But when making your inventory, assume the worst. You can always remove an item from your list, but you may have trouble later remembering all the items that were damaged.

7. Minimize damage as quickly as you can. Insurance will not cover damage that is considered to have been preventable. If you have damage to your roof, for example, tarp it immediately. If it should begin to rain again the insurance may not cover the damage because rain has been “allowed” to enter your home.

8. Release water from the ceiling by using a nail on the end of a stick to poke a small hole at the edge of the sag to release the water. Poking a hole at the center of the sag could cause a collapse. Repeat the process working toward the center of the sag until all of the water drains.
9. Test for water trapped in walls by removing the baseboard and poking small holes in the wallboard about two inches above the floor. If water drains, cut or drill holes large enough to allow water to drain.

10. Open (do not force) windows, doors, (both interior and exterior), fireplace flue, cabinets and drawers to help with the drying process.

11. Remove floor coverings from flooded areas. Take pictures and save a small sample of any carpet/upholstery for your insurance adjuster.

12. Take wet floor covering and upholstered furniture outside to dry out. Mold grows very quickly and can be life-threatening, so remove the threat as much as possible. Wash and disinfect the entire flooded area — including air ducts, outlets, wall switches, light sockets, furniture, walls, clothing, bedding, and other contents.
13. Remove as much debris and mud as possible from around your home. These may not only become dangerous if another storm were to hit, but they also make a great home for unwanted snakes, rodents and other critters.

14. If you have a basement drain it slowly, because a dramatic change in pressure could cause a collapse. If you are in doubt consult an expert.

15. Never drink tap water after a flood. Wait until the authorities have told you it is safe. Never eat food that has been in contact with floodwaters. Wash all canned foods that have been in flood waters with disinfectant and then clean water, before opening. Be sure to also disinfect the can opener. If in doubt, throw it out.
16. Don’t discard photos and other important sentimental items. Many can be cleaned and rescued. Separated photos that you can and allow them to dry. For now leave nay that you can not easily separate.

Today take a few minutes and share with those who may know someone who needs the information we have posted here.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,368307,00.html

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91625729&ft=1&f=1001

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