Before The Flood
- Learn the safest route from your home or place of business to high,
safe ground if you have to evacuate in a hurry.
- Check your roof for leaks. Clean out gutters and other drainage areas.
- Make an itemized list of all personal property, including furniture,
clothing and valuables. Photos of your home--both inside and out--are helpful.
This will assist your insurance adjuster in settling claims and will help
prove uninsured losses, which are tax deductible.
- Make sure you have a portable radio, emergency cooking equipment and
flashlights in working order.
- Keep a supply of sandbags on hand. Plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber
can be used to protect your property.
- Sandbags can not be filled and stored for a long time because burlap
bags when filled with sand or dirt will rot. Sandbags must be filled immediately
before or during the storm.
- Sandbags should be only half full with sand and it is important to
note that sandbags will not completely seal out water.
- Decide on a place where your family can meet during and/or after a
flood if your home is flooded out.
During The Flood
- Remember that flood waters rise rapidly so be prepared to evacuate
before the water level reaches your property.
- Keep a battery-powered radio turned to a local radio station and follow
all emergency instructions.
- If you are caught in the house by suddenly rising waters, move to the
second floor and, if necessary, to the roof. Take warm clothing, a flashlight
and portable radio with you. Wait for help. Do not try to swim to safety.
Rescue teams will be looking for you.
- If you are outside, try to find high ground and do not attempt to walk
through flooded waters that are more than knee deep.
- Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main
gas valve if evacuation appears necessary. Do not touch any electrical
equipment unless it is in a dry area and you are standing on a piece of
dry wood while wearing rubber gloves and rubber-soled boots or shoes.
- Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies
are contaminated. You can sanitize these items by first rinsing with bleach.
- If you are in your car and it stalls in a flooded area, abandon it
as soon as possible. Floodwaters can rise rapidly and sweep a car and its
occupants away. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled
vehicles.
After The Flood
- Prior to entering a building, check for structure damage. Make sure
the building is not in danger of collapsing. Turn off any outside gas lines
at the meter or tank and let the house air for several minutes to remove
foul odors or escaping gas.
- Upon entering your home, do not use open flame as a source of light
since gas may still be trapped inside. Use a battery-operated flashlight.
- Watch for electrical shorts or live wires before making certain that
the main power switch is turned off. Do not turn on any lights or appliances
until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits.
- Proceed with immediate cleanup measures to prevent any health hazards.
Perishable items which pose a health problem should be listed and photographed
before discarding. Throw out fresh food and previously opened medicines
that have come in contact with floodwaters.
- Water for drinking and food preparation should be boiled vigorously
for ten minutes (until the public water system has been declared safe again).
- Cover broken windows and holes in the roof or walls to prevent further
weather damage. Make sure to keep a record of these temporary repairs since,
in most cases, these are covered by your home insurance policy.
© Copyright 2008 The Miller Law Firm. All rights Reserved.
If you experience problems or have questions, contact us at Info@ConstructionDefects.com.
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