Post-Flood Safety: What Not to Do

If your house sustained water damage after a storm in Knoxville, TN, you may not have any idea of how you should handle all of that floodwater. Staying safe should be your number one priority, but how can you do so? Here are 5 things you should NOT do when you have a flooded home.

1. Touch Pools of Water

Do everything in your power to avoid touching the water on the ground of your home. In many cases, these puddles can put you at risk for electrocution. Wait for professionals to arrive that can help you safely clean up your property.

2. Skimp on Protective Gear

Not only are there dangerous wet patches to worry about; your home may also be teeming with animals and other post-storm hazards that you are not prepared for. Wear sturdy gloves and knee-high boots made of rubber to keep your body protected from the unknown before you even think about venturing indoors.

3. Wade in Standing Water

It is just as dangerous to wade in standing water as it is to touch or clean it. Again, it is better to wait for the assistance of trained technicians than to attempt do-it-yourself remediation.

4. Let Your Phone Die

Staying connected to the world after devastation is important. If you can safely do so, keep your cell phone or other vital communication tools charged in any way possible. Consider using a portable charger if you have one.

5. Downplay Mold

With floodwater comes the likelihood of mold growth. If you find significant amounts of mold spores inside your house, this is yet another situation where you should seek help in eliminating the infection. Attempting to handle things yourself could result in further decimation that threatens the security of the structure.

As a proud homeowner, you are going to be understandably upset when you find that floodwater is causing your investment to be at stake – but you still need to think about your and your family’s well-being during such a time. The advice above will help you to form a plan of protection if a natural disaster should hit.