Staying Safe During Flooding

10/16/2017 (Permalink)

Picture is of a flooded neighborhood.

Because of our location as a gulf state, Mississippi residents are especially prone to damage caused by floods.  Flooding can be common during the hurricane season but unusual weather patterns can also bring unexpected flooding of the type we have witnessed in our state over the last few years.

If your home has flooded, it is important to conduct a list of safety checks before returning inside.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development has produced an in-depth document outlining these safety steps.  They include:

• Checking the roof for dips across the surface
• Checking external walls to determine if they are no longer plum
• Checking the foundation from the outside to see if it has been damaged
• Making sure electricity and gas have been shut off

Once inside, there can be multiple safety hazards and threats.  The presence of mold is a real possibility and a valid concern for your personal safety.  If you have an older home, there is also the risk of lead or asbestos contamination.  Flood water contains multiple health hazards and just because the visible water is gone, it doesn’t mean the contaminants are no longer a threat.

That burning desire to check your home after major water damage is natural but even a few minutes inside could be bad for your health.  At SERVPRO® of Natchez, we provide emergency water disaster services.  We have given our mitigation specialists extensive training for safely entering this type of dangerous environment and for getting the remediation process started.  It is our hope you never have to experience this type of natural disaster or other types of water damages but if you do, we are a phone call away at 601.304.5554 and are always ready to help.