Floodings among most common hazards
Floods are one of the most common hazards in the U.S. All floods, however, are not alike. Some develop over a period of days, and others develop quickly, in just a few minutes. Flash floods are very dangerous because they consist of a wall of roaring water that contains rocks, mud and other debris that can sweep away everything in its path.
Because we have had a tremendous amount of snow, it would be prudent to be aware of the potential flood hazards, especially if you live in a low-lying area. You should be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas know to have winter runoff.
If you find yourself in the middle of a flood, turn off the electrical power, natural gas or propane immediately. This is done to prevent electrocution and eliminate the potential for explosions. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches.
Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water. Avoid wading in standing water, which may also contain glass or metal fragments.
Avoid connecting your generator to your home's electrical system. If the power comes back on and your generator is on, it could cause a major fire. If you want to hook a generator to your electrical system, you must have an automatic-interrupt device installed by an electrician.
Cleanup
Walls and hard surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water One cup of bleach should be added to every five gallons of water to act as a disinfectant. Make sure you thoroughly clean countertops, pantry shelves, refrigerators, etc. All linen should be washed or dry cleaned. To be honest, I'm not in favor of trying to dry mattresses and upholstered furniture, primarily because in a flood situation they hold lots of bacteria and mold.
If there has been a back flow of raw sewage into the home, please wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during the cleanup. remove and discard contaminated materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wall coverings, rugs and drywall.
As soon as the water has subsided, it is absolutely essential that you extract as much of the water from your home as possible. Time is of the essence because mold will immediately start its growth pattern and will eventually consume the entire home if the water is not removed and the home dried.
When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC, 255-2266; e-mail him at madan@surf1.ws; or mail them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do? For more information about Ed, check him out at NWESS.com.
Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the president of NWES, Inc.