According to the NDRC, floods are the most common natural disasters in the US. A flood is the accumulation of water over normally dry land. The major types of floods are river flooding, coastal flooding, flash floods, and urban flooding. River floods and flash floods occur commonly when the snow melts and can destroy structures. Coastal floods and storm surges can be more devastating and can lead to disaster warnings.
Floods affect homes and communities and can have short-term and long-term consequences. This can include loss of life and property damage. With climate change, floods related to storms are becoming more common across the US. Emergency Relief Pros Restoration Remediation Reconstruction shares some precautions that can be taken when a home is flooded after a storm. This company provides flood damage restoration in Cary, Illinois, and surrounding areas.
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Flood waters are considered to be contaminated. This is because floodwater and sewer overflows may contain bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, chemicals, and fecal material that can cause diseases. So flood damage should be handled by flood damage restoration experts, like Emergency Relief Pros Restoration Remediation Reconstruction in Cary, Illinois.
Steps To Take After A Flood
If necessary medical care must be sought, especially if there are severe injuries that can get infected.
Assistance can be offered to the elderly, infants, and differently abled if possible.
Disaster areas must be avoided as much as possible to ensure safety from contamination.
Broken utility lines are to be reported to concerned authorities so that they are turned off to prevent further hazards.
Buildings surrounded by floodwaters can collapse as floors crack and foundations sink after flood damage. These buildings must not be entered as hidden damage can make them unsafe, as do gas leaks, electrical damage, and damaged water lines.
Precautions To Prevent Diseases
Skin contact with flood water must be avoided, especially if there are wounds or cuts.
Any puncture wound or wound that may have come in contact with contaminated water would need a doctor to determine if a tetanus booster shot is required.
After a flood, all public and private water supplies may be contaminated. Local authorities' instructions must be followed. Use bottled water or follow guidelines by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Private wells may need to be disinfected as per instructions from the health department.
Children must be kept away from flood water.
Any food or drink exposed to floodwater is to be discarded.
Hands must be washed frequently with soap and water. This is compulsory after using the bathroom, before eating, and after any contact with floodwater or objects that were in contact with floodwater.
Precautions When Entering A Flooded Building
Swiftly flowing water can lead to drowning and entering it must be avoided. There can be debris that causes injuries like cuts in floodwater.
Any animal that is brought by a flood must be kept a distance from and local animal authorities can be contacted to remove them safely. Medical attention is needed for any animal or snake bite.
Wearing sturdy shoes would help to prevent cuts to the feet from debris in the water. This and other protective gear like long-sleeved clothing and rubber gloves are also helpful to prevent contact with contaminants in floodwater.
Signs for electrical damage like sparks, frayed wires, or burning insulation must be checked. Turning off electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker is advised to prevent danger. If this is surrounded by water a professional electrician should be contacted.
The utility company must be consulted before using any electrical equipment including power generators.
Battery-powered flashlights can be used to examine the area safely to prevent a fire hazard.
Signs of gas leaks like a gas smell or hissing sounds indicate occupants must leave the building. If possible the gas can be turned off from the outside valve and the gas company can be alerted. Once turned off the gas must be turned on by a professional.
Those using room heaters during power outages must ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the danger of carbon monoxide from being inhaled.
Pooled floodwater is where disease-carrying mosquitoes can breed. This must be drained safely with help from water damage restoration professionals if needed. Protective measures to prevent mosquito bites must be taken.
Solid waste must be disposed of as per instructions from local authorities.
Cleanup
Cleanup after flood damage is an intense process. There are many guidelines regarding how different materials can be cleaned and disinfected. Flood damage cleanup is best handled by a professional to ensure it is thorough and safe. Emergency Relief Pros Restoration Remediation Reconstruction can be contacted for flood damage cleanup in Cary, Illinois.
Steps may need to be taken for mold growth that can occur after a flood.
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The above are just some general guidelines to follow after a flood. After a storm, it is best to contact a professional water damage restoration company that will handle the situation efficiently. Emergency Relief Pros Restoration Remediation Reconstruction is one of the best choices for emergency flood damage restoration in Cary, Illinois. They are flood damage experts that can be contacted 24/7 for restoration work at the phone number (847) 282-0302 or email claims@emergencyreliefpros.com.
