Combating Tropical Storm There have been countless floods as a result of Tropical Storm Debby, and The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided these tips to help those that are affected by a flood recover quickly and stay as safe as possible. When you enter a building after the flooding subsides, be very careful. Not all damage is immediately apparent, but the damage can be very dangerous. This is the same with fires and earthquakes. The foundation of the building has been compromised whether through sinking in the flood or through the warping of wood.
Dangers of the Storm Have a guaranteed issue health plan so your family is protected. You will find this extremely helpful when you need to go to the hospital after an accident with one of your loved ones. Hospitals will be helping those who are prepared. Floodwater, in and of itself, can be dangerous. Often times it is contaminated with chemicals or raw sewage. Contact with flood water can be very detrimental. Actual contact can cause dysentery and chemicals have been known to even kill people. So if you think it is a good idea to wade out into the flood, think again! Make sure that you turn off your electricity at the main power source, even if the power is off in your community. There are hundreds of explosions that occur because people forget to turn off their power. You don’t want to deal with the electric shock of a loved one when you are trying to get out of the flood. If you are going to be making an insurance claim, be sure that you document the damage carefully. Too many people don’t have adequate records and the insurance companies ream them on this fact. If you know what you are talking about and have the facts to back you up then it is much harder to dispute claims.
Secondary Hazards When you have been affected by water damage, you should be sure that the problems are dealt with quickly. That way, you can be sure that your operations are able to resume as soon as possible. Many companies have worked hard to establish methods that will ensure a quick
stabilization of property and the mitigation of damage. This allows families can return home and businesses can resume operations. Make sure that you are prepared for the next tropical storm by making sure that your electricity is turned off all the way, you have a guaranteed health plan so your family is protected, and you have an escape plan that doesn’t entail going back into the building. If you are prepared then you will be a valuable asset to your community and not just one of the thousands of others who become a burden to carry through the storm. Overall having a plan is the best way to prevent any serious problems, especially in regards to your family and loved ones around. This plan should consist of an escape route, a worst case scenario strategy, and effective communication throughout. Keep these things in mind and it will be much smoother sailing through the storm. Photo Credit: freestone wilson, DVIDSHUB, Mary Anne Enriquez