A Guide to Post-Flood Measures

Floods have become one most of the mostare intact or not. Report to the local officials if you find
destructive natural disasters for around two yearsany hazardous broken lines that have been lying under
now. It has destroyed homes and eroded preciousthe water level. Turn off all such utilities before getting
land in several parts of the world. The destructiona thorough inspection and restoration done by
caused is often so enormous that it takes years toprofessionals. Check your waterlines and sewage
repair the damages, and the mental traumaprovisions systematically, because the water if
encountered is colossal. Those who have lost theirinfected can be a health hazard.
homes during these floods would appreciate a few2. Next, inspect whether there has been a gas leak or
helpful pointers that could aid them in bearing up withnot. Avoid switching on any electric appliance inside
the consequences of such floods.your house when you enter it because there is a risk
Monetary aid-of a fire in such cases. Use flashlights that use
batteries for power generation while subjecting your
1. Firstly, something as basic as insurance can go ahouse to a careful scrutiny.
long way in helping you bear up with the repercussions3. Another feature that must be checked is the
of flood damages. Contact your insurance companyfoundations of your house. Inspect the walls,
and verify whether the policy you have opted forstaircases, and floors. Get a professional to repair such
covers the damages you have suffered. Investing instructural damages.
flood insurance would be a sensible decision during4. If your car batteries or other such tanks containing
such times because homeowner's insurance policieshazardous chemicals are leaking, make sure you take
do not extend their coverage to flood related losses.proper professional help to eliminate such risks.
2. Secondly, other voluntary service groups extendCleaning up after the flood-
help to all those victims of flood-zones who haveDisinfecting your home after the flood should be on
incurred huge losses. You can contact agencies suchyour priority list. You can procure a disinfectant or
as local church groups, Red Cross, and civic clubs.cleaning solution from the store or use your own
During national declared disasters caused by floods,homemade remedies like mixing 1/2 cup of chlorine
telephone hotlines distributing such information arewith a gallon of water to clean the walls, floor, and
made available.every surface that had been drowned by water.
Measures for safety after the flood-Open all windows to ensure that the rooms are well
The first impulse of those who have been forced toventilated. Sunlight too helps in killing germs.
evacuate their homes during the floods is to enter theirPrevention is better than cure-
houses after the flood has subsided. However, youThere is always a risk of your home being flooded
should venture inside only when the local officials haveonce over again. Make sure you take measures like
declared it as a safe residence. Exercise precautionstoring food for emergencies, chalking new plans for
and avoid entering if the water still stands inside yourimmediate evacuation, and getting flood insurance
home.done. If the flooding was due to pipe leakages, make
sure you have proper water alarms and detectors
1. Check whether the power lines inside your houseinstalled in such vulnerable areas of your residence.