What types of dangers does a flooded home present? Here are some dangers of a flooded house and the steps that you can take to keep yourself safe!
You don’t have to live in a flood zone to experience flooding. Flooding can occur due to a leak or a burst pipe in your main water line, excessive rainfall, sewerage backup, etc. A flooded home is a nightmare for homeowners due to the costs that it often incurs. However, it can also pose various risks to your health. This is why you must never enter your flooded home without proper precautions and necessary aid.
Here are the dangers that you might face when you enter a flooded home and what you can do to prevent the risks:
Electricity
A flooded house is a truly unsafe place for anyone due to the threat of electrocution. If any wiring in your home becomes loose and falls into the standing water, then you can easily get electrocuted. This is why you must turn off your power before heading out of your flooded home to avoid such a disaster. Furthermore, make sure to take an electrician with you when you return to your home so that they can assess the situation and let you know that it’s safe for you to step inside the premises.
Mold
Mold is another major concern in a flooded home. This is because mold thrives in damp and moist environments with little to no air circulation and a flooded, locked up home creates the perfect environment for mold to grow and spread throughout your home.
This is why when you return to your house, you must open the windows right away to let fresh air come in. If you see mold growing in your home, then seek the help of a professional mold removal and remediation company right away. Additionally, make sure to dry your home as thoroughly as possible to prevent further mold growth.
Infections
Floodwater can introduce harmful bacteria into your home. This is why you must avoid wading through the standing floodwater in your house without any protective gear. Otherwise, you might contract an infection. Furthermore, for those people who have preexisting conditions such as diabetes, even a mere cut and exposure to floodwater can lead to a deadly infection. If you cut yourself while cleaning your flooded home and your wound comes into contact with floodwater, then get a tetanus shot right away. You can also get the Tdap vaccination, which will protect you against, pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria.
Other Risks
When cleaning up a flooded home, people often experience various injuries from broken furniture pieces, structurally unsound areas in the house, etc. Moreover, since the floodwater is contaminated and can cause various airborne diseases, it poses a significant health hazard. It might even render your drinking water unsafe to drink. Depending on your location, standing water can also act as an invitation for different reptiles to enter your home!
This is why when you’re cleaning your home and getting rid of the water, make sure to wear the appropriate protective gear as well as a bug repellant. Additionally, make sure to discard the spoiled food in your fridge as it can cause health issues as well. Don’t use propane or gas tanks in your house after a flood as they can release hazardous carbon monoxide.
