Tips for Safety After Major Flooding

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most important things to do when flood water affects your Delray Beach, FL home is finding alternative shelter for your family. There are many unseen risks in your flooded home over and above any potential damage to the home.

Reach Out for Professional Help

From your temporary shelter, you can work toward recovering from water damage by

• Calling your insurance agent and mortgage holder
• Researching local and federal resources, such as FEMA loans
• Contacting licensed flood cleanup and restoration professionals

When it is safe for you to get back to your home, take the following precautions:

Shut Down Electricity
Before getting near any water in your home, shut off the electricity at your main circuit breaker. Even a moist carpet and a frayed cord can lead to serious electric shocks. Even after shutting off the power, avoid stepping into any standing water inside and outside your home.

Wear Personal Protective Gear
This includes rubber boots and gloves to protect you from electric shocks. A mask with an air filter and a pair of goggles are important for protecting you from any chemicals or fumes carried by the water. Avoid getting any water on your hands and face to limit contamination from dirty flood water.

Watch Out for Mold
It only takes a day or two for mold spores to settle into the warm, humid areas of your home, such as under wet carpet, in a basement corner, or around loose windowpanes. If you suspect or notice any evidence of mold, contact a professional immediately to prevent spread. It may be necessary for you to cut out lower sections of affected walls to stop moisture and mold from creeping up further.

Stay Calm
Flood water in your home can cause a lot of panic and frustration, so it's important to keep a level head while approaching cleanup and repairs. Work closely with those who've experienced flooding before to minimize damage as much as possible.