Heavy floods hit the South hard this week, killing at least 10 in Georgia and Alabama and driving many from their homes. In some areas, as much as 22 inches of rain fell over a two-day period between Sunday and Monday.
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue declared a state of emergency for the 17 counties most affected by flooding. President Barack Obama declared that a major disaster exists in Georgia and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts. Vice President Joe Biden said seven Georgia counties now qualify for federal assistance.
Meanwhile, the metro Atlanta area is bracing for another round of storms. The National Weather Service on Friday issued a flash flood watch for the region because the ground is still saturated from the week’s storms.
As the rain slows, those driven out will begin the grueling process of restoring their homes. Coping with the mess left in the wake of a natural disaster is emotionally and physically draining. It also requires caution when facing hazards unique to returning home after a natural disaster. Here's how to safely return to your home.
Before You Enter
Do not enter your home if you smell gas, if floodwaters are around the building, or fire damaged your home and the authorities have not declared it safe.
If you plan to use a battery-powered flash light to inspect damage, turn it on before entering — the battery could produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.
Enter with Caution
Once you enter, you might encounter hazards that make it unsafe to stay. Leave if you find any of the following hazards:
- Natural gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Call the gas company. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on. Don't smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles or torches for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other flammable materials present.
- Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.
- Sparks, broken or frayed wires. Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they?re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring.
- Wild animals. Beware of wildlife that might have taken refuge in your home, often on the second floor. Be especially cautious of poisonous snakes — use a stick to poke through debris. If you encounter an animal, open a window or provide another escape route. Don't attempt to capture an animal if it doesn't leave — call animal control. Don't handle carcasses, which can spread disease; instead, contact your local emergency management office or health department for help and instructions.
Cleaning Up
If it's safe to remain in the house, follow these clean-up guidelines:
- Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages to give to your insurance agent. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
- Dry out appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have a professional check appliances before you use them again. Also, have an electrician check the electrical system before you turn the power back on.
- Check water safety. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Find out from local authorities whether the water is safe before using any water. Pump out wells and have authorities test the water before you drink it. Don't flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
- Ger rid of food. Open cabinets carefully, because objects might fall out. Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect are contaminated or came into contact with floodwater.
- Pump the basement gradually.. The walls can collapse and the floor can buckle if you pump out the basement while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged. Pump it out gradually — about one third of the water per day — to avoid damage.
- Clean up household chemical spills. Wearing protective gear, including an oxygen mask, disinfect items that might have been contaminated with raw sewage, bacteria or chemicals. Also clean salvageable items.
Information provided by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
