Water Damage Chattanooga - Precautions When Returning to Your Home

5/29/2018 (Permalink)

Water flooding in a Chattanooga home.

Returning home after a disaster in Chattanooga can be mentally, emotionally and physically challenging. It's important to exercise caution at all times and never return to your residence before local officials declare it safe to do so.

On Arrival

Avoid attempting to move injured individuals unless the situation is life-threatening or they are in immediate danger of further injury. It's critical to stabilize the neck and back of an unconscious individual if it’s absolutely urgent to have them moved. Call for help immediately. Other important procedures to keep in mind:

• Keep an eye out for both domestic and wild animals, insects and bugs, especially poisonous ones. Watch your step and if you must poke through any debris, use a stick or other object.
• Since phone lines may be exceptionally busy, only use the telephone for extreme emergencies.
• Have a battery-powered radio with extra fresh batteries with you at all times.
• Use a flashlight to inspect damaged residences. Turn it on outside before entering the residence to avoid sparks in case of gas leaks.
• Avoid the streets as much as possible. If the streets are unavoidable, watch for downed power lines, fallen objects, unstable structures, walls, sidewalks, roads and bridges.

Before Entering Your Residence

Carefully inspect the exterior of the structure. Check for structural damage, gas leaks and downed electrical lines. Do no enter your residence if:

• There are any odd odors, especially gas leaks.
• You are uncertain about structural integrity.
• Flood waters have accumulated around the structure.
• Authorities have declared it unsafe.

Interior Safety Procedures

When entering your residence, there are precautions you should take, in addition to things you should do and things you shouldn't do. The following is a checklist of safety procedures to follow:

Gas leak:

Do not smoke, use candles, torches, gas or oil lanterns inside until you're certain there is no gas leakage. If you hear a blowing or hissing sound or smell gas, it's critical you leave the residence immediately. If possible, shut off the main gas line outside or call the gas company from a different location.

Electrical system:

Be cautious of loose, frayed or broken wires. Do not approach any electrical system or appliance if you’re wet, the interior is flooded or you're just unsure if it's safe. Turn off power at the main circuit breaker or fuse box if possible. Otherwise, leave the residence if the situation is not safe and consult a professional electrician about your wiring.

Interior foundation:

Check for foundation, roof and chimney cracks or other damage. Leave immediately if the structure looks like it will collapse.

Food storage:

Avoid eating food and using supplies that are not sealed properly, have come in direct contact with flood water or that you suspect have become contaminated.