Helpful Tips To Deal With A Hurricane's Aftermath

By Author: Leo Nov
Total Articles: 883
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Even after the rains and the winds of a strong hurricane have stopped, hazards are still present on the roads and in your home. The following are safety tips when returning to your home after a hurricane.
When Going Back Home
Get the information you need. Find out if your neighborhood has been declared safe by local officials before you return home. Also, find out which roads have been closed due to flood damage and what alternative routes you should take. Be aware if officials have a designated an assembly point for people in your neighborhood.
Make necessary plans. Schedule your travel home during the day. Inform relatives or friends about your plan of returning home.
Stay informed by tuning in to local news throughout the drive.
Drive safely. Keep an eye out for hazards on the road such as debris or large sinkholes. Do not attempt to pass through standing water because it could be deeper than it looks and your vehicle could be stalled in the middle of a flooded road.
Beware of downed electrical lines. Never drive through water containing fallen power lines or try to drive over the ...
... lines. If a power line falls on your car while you are driving, keep moving away. However, if your car stalls, don't turn off the car ignition and don't let anyone step out of the car because as you can imagine there is great risk of electrocution when you go out and stand in floodwater with a live power line dangling above you. Wait for emergency personnel to come to your rescue.
Once You Reach Home
Be very careful when approaching and entering your home. Observe your surroundings and watch out for:
Fallen power lines near or on your property. Report any electrical hazards to the authorities.
Hidden hazards of flood damage such as weakened structures. Flooded homes should be examined and declared safe by licensed engineers.
Smell or sound of gas leak. Strong floodwaters could have shifted the gas supply lines in your home. If you suspect a gas leak, open the windows and get out of the building. Don't switch on the lights or do anything that can ignite a spark. Turn off the gas valve outside. Notify the gas utility company and authorities of the hazard immediately. Wait for them to tell you it's safe to go back.
Electrical damage. Some signs of this include burning smell but no proof of fire, worn wirings and wire sparks. Try to see if you can turn off the power supply line at the main fuse box. Don't attempt this if the box is wet or located in a flooded room. Instead, call a qualified electrician. Have your electrical appliances checked before using them if you are not sure of their safety.
Post-Disaster Cleanup
As you clean up your home, keep safety a priority. Wear safety gear and protective clothing. Beware of chemical spills and contaminated water. Do your best to limit exposure to floodwater, which is highly-contaminated. In most cases, it is recommended to hire a professional cleanup and restoration team to handle extensive hurricane and flood damage to ensure quick, proper and safe cleanup of your property.
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about water removal and water removal services, visit RestorationSOS.com.