July 26, 2004—The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) says the following steps can help minimize the potential damage from weather-releated flooding.
Immediately after the threat of physical danger has passed:
- Make sure the building is structurally safe to enter or reoccupy.
- Turn off electrical power. Do not use electricity until it is safe to do so.
- Ensure that natural gas sources are safely secured.
- Secure the exterior to prevent further water intrusion. This can include boarding up broken windows, making temporary roof repairs, sealing cracks or tacking down plastic sheeting against open gaps in walls or roofs.
When it’s safe to begin cleanup:
- Disconnect all electronics/electrical equipment and move it to a safe, dry location.
- Remove as much standing water as possible from inside the building.
- Begin to remove water-damaged materials immediately.
- Ventilate with fans and/or dehumidifiers.
- Contact a water extraction company, if necessary, for assistance.
- By taking immediate action, building managers can reduce the amount of damage and increase the chance of salvaging usable materials. Buildings managers can also reduce the amount of rust, rot, mold and mildew that may develop and lower the likelihood that the water will lead to structural problems.
For more information, contact IBHS.
