Society & Culture & Entertainment Education

Things You Should NEVER Do After a Flood

By Society & Culture & Entertainment Last updated Wednesday, September/04/2024

11. Ignoring Your Septic Tank or Sewage System

If your house is flooded, so is your septic tank or sewage system. Raw sewage is extremely dangerous and can carry a multitude of infectious agents. Be sure your plumbing system is in tact before resuming your daily routines in your home.

12. Drinking Water After a Flood

Unless you get an official okay from your township or city, do not drink the water. Whether you have a well, spring water, or city water, the system may have been contaminated by flood waters. Have a professional test your water after the flood to be sure. Until then, drink bottled water.

13. Lighting Candles in a Building

Candles are a staple of emergency equipment. Why would lightning a candle be bad after a flood? The main reason for not lightning a candle is the possible presence of flammable liquids such as oil and gasoline. Lightning a candle in a flooded building could create a fire emergency on top of the flood emergency.

14. Forgetting to Keep Immunizations Current

Have you had a tetanus shot in the last ten years? Are your immunizations current? Floods can cause diseases because of the mix of microorganisms within the flood waters. Keep yourself and your children current on their immunizations to prevent problems.

15. Underestimating Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. Keep generators and gas-powered heaters in areas with good ventilation. Also make sure your home is well ventilated during clean up. It is also a good idea to keep a carbon monoxide detector in the home.

16. Failing to Take Photos

I always recommend keeping a disposable camera in your emergency supply kit. Photos of damages can help you to make a claim to your insurance company after the flood is over. The photos can also be used to document the extent of the floods. Finally, you may even be able to learn how to better protect your home from another flood if you live in a flood prone area.

17. Not Having a Weather Safety Kit

Even a small storm can cause a loss of power for days. Not having power, especially in the winter months can be dangerous. Always have a weather emergency kit available. The kit can be stored in a large plastic bin and put in the corner of your garage or a closet. Maybe you wil never use the kit, but maybe you will. Learn how to make a weather emergency kit.More »

18. Eating After a Flood

Foods in the pantry can be dangerous after a flood. High humidity and the spread of insects can cause even seemingly dry foods to become infested. Thrown out dry goods in boxes. Also throw out any foods that came in contact with the flood water.

19. Pumping Out a Basement Too Soon

Even after the flood waters have receded outside, your basement may be full of water. The level of water can vary, but even a small amount of water can cause structural damage. The most important point to remember is that water on the inside of the basement means there is water on the outside of the basement walls. The ground is typically saturated after a heavy storm. If you pump out the basement too soon, you could be looking at costly structural damage to your home. You may even experience a total wall collapse.More »

20. Failing to Renew Your First Aid or CPR Card

Having first aid skills is important for yourself and your loved ones. In the event of an emergency, your skills in taking care of an injured person should be very up to date.

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