What to expect after a flood 

After the worst has passed, every homeowner needs to know what to expect in the wake of a flood!

Whether you’re up to your neck in water damage, or just have minor repairs to make, you’ll want to call in the experts. In the meantime, these tips will help you avoid stumbling through the initial steps to get the damage under control.

First, if you suspect ANY electrical circuits or equipment have gotten wet be sure to turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse! Don’t take chances with getting electrocuted. Also, be sure to call the fire department to remove any chemicals, propane tanks or other dangerous materials.

Keep children and pets away from the damaged areas. While checking out the damage yourself, be sure to wear protective clothing – such as rubber gloves, boots and even goggles – to avoid getting sick from contaminated water.

Always wash up with hot soap and water after handling or inspecting the damage. If you have any open cuts, abrasions or sores, avoid exposure to floodwater to be sure you don’t get an infection.

When you’re washing up, don’t forget to wash any clothing you were wearing. Don’t launder the clothes with uncontaminated items, like bed sheets and linens. Also avoid using any items that were contaminated by floodwater for eating and drinking!

If you do come into contact with floodwater, you don’t have to be afraid, Direct contact with the water doesn’t always pose a risk, but you’ll want to call in the experts to be sure!

And for more information about how to safely approach situation, check out these tips from the Centers for Disease Control.