Changing Your Home And GardenChanging Your Home And Garden

A flood can come quickly and without warning, causing serious damage to your home and belongings. If your home has been the victim of a flood, and you're ready to check on the extent of the damage, follow these three tips to help keep you and your family safe from injury or even death.

Check the Exterior Structure

The force of flood water and the deteriorating effects of standing water can cause major damage to the structure of your home, making it unsafe to enter. This is why you should always examine the exterior of your home before you enter. Look for any cracks, holes or other weak areas that may cause the home or parts of the home to collapse. When investigating the home, check the roof, but don't climb onto it. From the ground, walk around and look for holes, bowing, etc. Only enter your home once you are sure it is safe. If necessary, contact a professional before you enter.

Shut Off Utilities

If the utilities are still on, particularly electricity and gas, don't enter the home. Electricity and water don't mix, and the water may have caused a gas leak. If you can, turn off the gas and electricity yourself, but if you are unable to, get a professional to help. If you do turn off the gas yourself, it's still good to avoid using any open flames, especially if you smell gas. If you do smell gas, leave your home and contact the gas company immediately.

Steer Clear of Standing Water

After a flood, your home may have standing water. The basement may be completely flooded or there may just be puddles of water here and there. Standing water is extremely dangerous. For starters, if the electricity isn't off, it could start a fire or injure someone. However, standing water alone is also dangerous because it contains contaminates. Flood water is filled with sewage and other dangerous chemicals that could cause disease. If you see standing water in your home, have it cleaned quickly and don't touch it.

A flood can be a nightmare, but it is important to check your home for damage after a flood. Always wait until you've been given the clear to return to your home, and be cautious when examining flood damage. For more information about flood damage and repair, contact a contractor in your area today to schedule a quote. Contact a restoration company, like East Coast Environmental Restoration, for more help.