What to do after a flood

Friday, April 27, 2018, 3:53 PM - Returning home after a flood can be hazardous. Officials say it's important to restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to the house and its contents. Find more expert tips, below.

• Remember not to return home until you've received the all-clear from the proper authorities.
• If the main power switch was not turned off prior to the flooding, it's important you have an electrician take a look to determine it is safe to return home. Remember that appliances that may have been flooded pose a risk of shock or fire when turned on.
• Take a look at the building to determine if its structurally safe to go in. Keep an eye out for buckled walls or floors. Don't forget to watch for holes in the floor or any other potentially dangerous debris.
• Flood water can often be contaminated, leading to different sicknesses and infections. If you suspect your drinking water has also been contaminated, avoid drinking it at all costs.
• If any important documents have been damaged during the flood, store them in a freezer until you can determine if the original documents must be retained.
• If your home is still flooded, make sure to remove the water slowly. Try to remove one-third of the volume daily as the ground could still be saturated and quick removal could cause the floor or walls to buckle.
• Until the water is removed, make sure not to heat your home to more than 4ºC.
• When you begin cleaning the flooded area some recommended equipment includes: gloves, masks, pail, mopes, squeegees and plastic garbage bags.

Keep in mind that its important to restore your home to good order as promptly as possible, as this may help protect your health and prevent any further damage to your house. For more helpful tips, visit the Government's website.