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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDuring a Flash Flood Watch or Warning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If a flood watch or a flash flood warning has been issued, follow these tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Be alert about current weather<\/strong> conditions and forecasts. Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for flood status updates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prepare your home for flash flood. <\/strong>Move important items to higher levels. Store valuables in waterproof containers. Anchor heavy outdoor objects like grills and propane tanks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fill up your car. <\/strong>Keep your gas tank full in case you need to evacuate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep cash on hand. <\/strong>In case ATMs are unavailable, have cash ready. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Practice your family communication plan. <\/strong>Review it with family members so they know what to do.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Know where to go.<\/strong> If directed by local authorities, evacuate immediately to higher ground or stay on high ground.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you have to leave your home<\/strong>, turn off all utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. This will help prevent further damage and safety hazards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stock up on supplies<\/strong>. Ensure you have enough nonperishable food and water for at least three days in your emergency kit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Contact local authorities<\/strong> to find out where you can get sandbags or other flood-protection materials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep immunization records accessible<\/strong> or track the year of your most recent tetanus vaccination. Immunization records should be kept in a waterproof container.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you can\u2019t evacuate<\/strong>, go to your highest possible floor since floodwater rises quickly. If time is short, get to the top floor, attic, or roof.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Store exterior items inside<\/strong>, such as lawn furniture and trash cans, or keep them secured.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How to Prevent Infections During a Flood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your home was flooded, there is a chance it could be contaminated with sewage. This can lead to infection, so follow these precautions accordingly: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Throw away food that has come in direct contact with floodwater<\/strong>, including bottled drinks and products in jars, or any food that looks and smells unusual. If intact, canned goods may be washed and disinfected. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Discard perishable foods,<\/strong> like meat or eggs, that have been left in temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- All medicines, cosmetics, and other personal toiletries that have come into contact with floodwater should be discarded.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you\u2019ve made contact with floodwater<\/strong>, practice good hygiene: wash hands frequently with soap and water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t let children play in floodwater<\/strong> or with toys contaminated by floodwater.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you have an open skin wound<\/strong>, keep it clean and cover it with a waterproof bandage, and avoid floodwater exposure. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAvoid Rapid-Flowing Waters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
a flash flood has inundated local roads in your area, follow these safety tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Don\u2019t drive through flowing water,<\/strong> even if it\u2019s just a few inches deep. Your vehicle may break down or get swept away.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Monitor road conditions<\/strong> and obey closure signs that indicate impacted roads. Be aware of road hazards such as mud, building debris, tree limbs, and potholes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Never walk through flowing water<\/strong>. Rapidly moving water can be deadly, even if you can swim.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Beware of Respiratory Hazards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tips to avoid respiratory hazards include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Avoid areas with mold growth<\/strong>. Mold can form within 24-48 hours of a flood. Mold must be removed before moving back to your home. For mold and water damage cleanup, hire a professional damage restoration company, such as PuroClean.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Only run gasoline, propane, and diesel-powered<\/strong> equipment in well-ventilated outdoor areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stay away from building materials<\/strong> that may contain lead, such as painted surfaces and pipes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Be aware of asbestos poisoning<\/strong>. Don\u2019t enter areas where asbestos may have been used as construction material.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Steer Clear of Chemical Exposure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When returning to your home after a flood, be aware of potential chemical hazards that may have been caused by floodwaters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, don\u2019t move propane tanks yourself,<\/strong> as they may cause a fire or explode. Call the state fire marshal\u2019s office immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you see car batteries in floodwaters<\/strong>, don\u2019t get close to them to avoid electrical shock. Also, beware of any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Avoid Electrical and Gas Dangers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Flash floods also bring electrical and gas dangers. Here\u2019s how to stay safe from them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Never touch electrical lines<\/strong>, wires, equipment, and fixtures during and after a flood. Report fallen power lines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t walk or drive through floodwater<\/strong> if downed power lines are in it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Never enter your home if the main power switch<\/strong> was not turned off before flooding. Wait until a qualified electrician has declared your home safe before re-entering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Evacuate your home immediately<\/strong> if you detect or smell gas and notify the gas company.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Forget About Debris<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In the wake of a flood, all kinds of debris may be potentially dangerous. Watch out for broken glass, construction or demolition debris, and tree limbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Water Damage Restoration, Call the PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield flood cleanup experts!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Flash floods are devastating events. The flash flood may come on quickly. The aftermath of a flood can be just as dangerous as the flood itself. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to follow these flood safety tips and take immediate precautions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your home has been flooded, call PuroClean of Wilton | Ridgefield for water damage restoration services. We have the experience and expertise to quickly and safely remove water and restore your home to its pre-flood condition. Visit our <\/u><\/a>website<\/a><\/u> or call us at 475.277.2400<\/a> to connect with your local PuroClean office today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Don\u2019t walk or drive through floodwater<\/strong> if downed power lines are in it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Only run gasoline, propane, and diesel-powered<\/strong> equipment in well-ventilated outdoor areas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Monitor road conditions<\/strong> and obey closure signs that indicate impacted roads. Be aware of road hazards such as mud, building debris, tree limbs, and potholes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Discard perishable foods,<\/strong> like meat or eggs, that have been left in temperatures above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prepare your home for flash flood. <\/strong>Move important items to higher levels. Store valuables in waterproof containers. Anchor heavy outdoor objects like grills and propane tanks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n