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Floods: What To Do After The
Flood To Clean Up
Flood Restoration and Advice by Emergency Preparedness
Canada
by Emergency Preparedness Canada
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What to do Before and After
Beyond the human toll taken in lives and suffering,
flood damage costs Canadian taxpayers millions of dollars
annually. Though governments at every level work to
reduce the risk of floods, the first line of defence
always rests with the individual. Each of us has a responsibility
to protect our homes and families to the greatest extent
possible. By planning ahead and taking sensible precautions,
you can do your part to minimize flood damage.
Flood threats to particular areas can usually be forecast
in a number of ways:
* By constant evaluation of rising water tables that
result from heavy rain
* Through surveys of snow conditions in river drainage
basins
* By meteorological observations and forecasts.
Flash or sudden flooding, in which warning time is
extremely limited, can result from other causes such
as earthquakes, tsunamis or tidal waves, hurricanes.
violent storms or bursting of dams. In all cases, local
government authorities try to keep residents informed
of developments in areas most likely to be affected
by flooding. Regular media advisories will recommend
actions people should take to limit or prevent disaster.
As the need arises, more detailed instructions by municipal
or provincial authorities will be given.
BEFORE THE FLOOD
ELECTRICITY
When there is immediate danger of flooding,shut off
all power in your home.
HEATING EQUIPMENT
Special precautions should be taken to safeguard or
minimize damage to electrical, natural gas or propane
heating equipment. If there is enough warning time,
consult your supplier for instructions on how to proceed.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Ensure that you have a battery-powered radio in working
order, with spare batteries, to listen to instructions
from your local station. Prepare an emergency survival
kit that includes food, water and medical supplies in
an easy-to-carry container. In addition to the battery-powered
radio and spare batteries, it should contain at least
the following items:
* flashlight with spare batteries
* warm clothing, including waterproof outer garments
and footwear
* blankets
* all necessary medication
* infant care items
* personal toiletries
* identification for each member of your household
* any important personal and family documents.
Move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings
to floors above ground level. Remove such toxic substances
as pesticides and insecticides from the immediate area
to prevent pollution. Remove toilet bowls, and plug
basement sewer drains and toilet connections with a
wooden plug. Disconnect eavestroughs if they are connected
to the house sewer.
In some cases, homes may be protected by using sandbags
or polyethylene barriers. But this approach requires
specific instructions that must be obtained from your
local emergency officials.
EVACUATION
Vacate your home when you are advised do so by local
emergency authorities. Ignoring such a warning could
jeopardize the safety of your family or those people
who might eventually have to come to your rescue.
When you leave, take your emergency survival kit with
you. Follow the routes specified by officials. Don't
take shortcuts. They could lead you to a blocked or
dangerous area. Make arrangements for pets.
Should time allow, leave a note informing others when
you left and where you went. If you have a mailbox,
leave the note there. If you are evacuated, register
with the reception centre so that you can be contacted
and reunited with your family and loved ones. If you
are using your car, try not to drive through flood waters.
Fast water can sweep your car away. However, should
you be caught in fast rising waters and your car stalls,
leave it behind. Always consider your safety and the
safety of others first.
AFTER THE FLOOD
Following a flood, it is important to restore your home
to good order as soon as possible to protect your health
and prevent further damage to your house and its contents.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has prepared
the following handy checklist to help you organize your
clean-up. However, this information is provided as self-help
advice only.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Exercise caution when re-entering your home. Avoid electrical
shock by wearing rubber boots in an area flooded with
more than 5 cm (2 in.) of standing water.
ELECTRICITY
Keep extension cords out of the water. If the power
is on in the flooded area, shut it off immediately at
the breaker box. If conditions are wet around the breaker
box, stand on a dry board and use a dry stick to turn
off the switch. Consult with your local electrical utility
if you require assistance.
THE BUILDING
Make sure the building is structurally safe. Look for
buckled walls or floors. Watch for holes in the floor,
broken glass and other potentially dangerous debris.
WATER
Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage
and other pollutants, and pose a serious health hazard.
If through taste, colour or odour you suspect that your
drinking water has been contaminated, purify it before
drinking either by boiling it for 10 minutes or adding
purification tablets. If you choose to chlorinate your
water with a non-perfumed bleaching compound, add one
drop per litre of water, or three drops per litre of
cloudy water, and allow it to stand for 30 minutes before
consuming.
Household items that have been flood-damaged will have
to be bagged, tagged and discarded according to local
regulations.
EQUIPMENT
Assemble equipment and supplies, which should include:
* gloves, masks and other protective gear
* pails, mops, squeegees and plastic garbage bags
* chlorine bleach and non-ammonia dishwashing detergent
(Note: Never mix bleach with ammonia since the fumes
produced together are toxic.)
* large containers for soaking bedding and clothing,
and lines to hang them until they are dry.
You may also need to rent extension cords, submersible
pumps, wet/dry shop vacuums, a carbon monoxide sensor,
and dehumidifiers, fans or heaters. Remember to store
all valuable papers that have been damaged in a freezer
until they are needed.
Record details of flood damage, by photograph or video
if possible. Register the amount of damage to your home
with both your insurance agent and local municipality
immediately
FIRST STEPS IN CLEAN-UP
WATER DAMAGE
Immediately add about 2 litres of chlorine bleach to
standing water. Do not occupy a house that still containsstanding
water. Remove water from your flooded home slowly. Drain
it in stages - about a third of the volume daily. If
the ground is still saturated and water is removed too
quickly, it could cause the walls or the floor to buckle.
Use pumps or pails to remove standing water, followed
by a wet/dry shop vacuum to mop up the rest. For instructions
on how to disinfect and restore wells and cisterns,
contact your local or provincial health authorities
or emergency measures organization.
HEATING
Do not heat your home to more than 4 degrees Celsius
(about 40 degrees Farenheit) until all water is removed.
If you use gasoline-, kerosene- or propane-powered pumps
or heaters, buy and install a carbon monoxide sensor.
Combustion devices can produce large amounts of lethal
carbon monoxide when out of tune or improperly ventilated.
DIRT AND DEBRIS
Remove all soaked and dirty materials and debris. Break
out walls and remove drywall, wood panelling and insulation
at least 500 mm (20 in.) above the high-water line.
Remove residual mud and soil, furniture, appliances,
clothing and bedding.
Hose down any dirt sticking to walls and solid-wood
furniture. Then rinse several times. Wash and wipe down
all surfaces and structures with chlorine bleach, ensuring
there is adequate cross ventilation to remove fumes.
Then rinse again. Wear a charcoal respirator (which
can be obtained at major safety supply or hardware stores)
when using bleach in any closed space.
Wipe down surfaces that have not been directly flood-affected
using a solution of one part chlorine bleach to four
parts cold or tepid water, mixed with a small amount
of nonammonia dishwashing detergent. Then rinse.
STRUCTURES
Ventilate or dehumidify the house until it is completely
dry. Tape clear food wrap to sections of material. If
these sections are still damp inside, they will turn
darker than the surrounding material. Dry until this
does not occur.
Rinse, then clean all floors as quickly as possible.
Replace flooring that has been deeply penetrated by
flood water or sewage. Clean all interior wall and floor
cavities with a solution of water, chlorine bleach and
non-ammonia dishwashing detergent and dry thoroughly.
If regular checks reveal mould, kill it with chlorine
bleach. Mould can lead to serious health problems.
FLOOR COVERINGS
Carpets must be dried within two days. For large areas,
hire a qualified professional to do the job. Carpets
soaked with sewage must be discarded immediately.
WATER-DAMAGED HEIRLOOMS AND ANTIQUES
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Time is of the essence to prevent further damage. Wet
items will be heavy and fragile, so keep them well-supported
when handling, drying, or freezing. Relocate items to
a cool, dry location as soon as possible. Freeze books,
paper, and textiles until they can be properly treated,
and consult a conservator before attempting any repairs.
If items are contaminated with sewage, take proper health
precautions.
DIRT
If dirty items are saturated, rinse with clean water
if they are strong enough to withstand it; exceptions
are paper, fragile items, or those with loose parts
or soluble paints and adhesives. If items are only damp,
let mud dry and then brush it off.
MOLD
To minimize mould growth, move items to a cool, dry
area within 48 hours and set up fans. Alternatively,
textiles, paper, and books can be frozen and a conservator
called for advice. Wet mould will smear if wiped; let
it dry then brush it off out-of-doors. Materials not
affected by alcohol can be lightly misted with isopropanol
(rubbing alcohol) to kill mould spores. Note: Mould
is a health hazard. If present, wear a face mask and
disposable gloves.
TEXTILES (OTHER THAN UPHOLSTERY)
* Separate dark- and light-coloured items to prevent
staining; if colours run, rinse in clean water until
the water runs clear.
* Remove any metal attachments and dry separately.
* Blot excess water, lay items flat, shape them, and
air-dry quickly using fans; alternatively, place textiles
individually on supports, bag separately, then freeze
for treatment later.
* If staining has occurred, do not allow items to dry;
bag them wet and freeze, then seek the advice of a conservator.
FURNITURE
First priority is to keep the wooden structure from
warping or splitting, so dry slowly; discoloration of
the finish such as "blooming" is secondary
and can be dealt with later. Use caution with flaking
paint and lifting veneers. Joints may be loose if glue
is water-soluble.
* Open doors and drawers immediately so they do not
swell in situ and become impossible to remove when dry;
do not force if stuck.
* Blot excess water.
* Lay freezer or wax paper on lifting veneer and apply
weights.
* Air-dry using fans; if necessary, shelter the item
under polyethylene sheeting to slow drying.
* For upholstered furniture remove cushions but not
upholstery, and blot excess moisture from both; raise
furniture onto blocks and place fans underneath.
METALS
* Move ferrous (iron-containing) metals to a dry location
as soon as possible, blot excess water, blow hollow
areas with warm (not hot) air, and air-dry.
* Metals other than iron are less prone to water damage.
PAPER
Most items can be air-dried. Inks or dyes that have
run can be "wicked up" with the corner of
a sheet of blotting paper or paper towel. Do not blot!
Stains and distortions should be treated by a paper
conservator.
BOOKS
* Bag or wrap in freezer paper all books printed on
glossy paper, and freeze immediately to prevent pages
from sticking together.
* For other books, if not saturated fan out pages and
air-dry, using fans (set on cool) to circulate air;
if saturated, freeze as soon as possible and thaw as
time permits.
DOCUMENTS
* Remove documents from wet storage boxes or coloured
file folders; keep supported.
* Do not try to separate pages if stuck together.
* Where possible remove pins, paper clips, and staples
to avoid corrosion.
* Air-dry on blotting paper or paper towels, or freeze.
FRAMED ITEMS (I.E. PRINTS, DRAWINGS, WATERCOLOURS)
* Remove items from frames, lay face up on blotting
paper or other absorbent material, and air-dry.
* For vellum or parchment documents, and pastel, charcoal,
or chalk drawings, call a conservator.
OIL AND ACRYLIC PAINTINGS ON CANVAS
* Remove excess water by tilting and draining from a
corner.
* Relocate paintings to a dry area; use fans to increase
air circulation.
* Remove paintings from frames unless there is adhesion
of the paint to the frame; do not remove paintings from
stretchers.
* Place damaged or highly textured paintings face up
and raise on blocks for adequate air circulation.
* Paintings with minimal texture should be placed face
down on a padded, absorbent surface covered with tissue
paper; if the stretcher is warping, place weights on
the corners.
* Contact a conservator immediately for further advice
and/or assistance.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Some early photographs (i.e. tintypes, daguerreotypes)
will not survive immersion. Store them in waterproof
containers away from potential leaks. If other types
of photographs are stuck together do not try to separate
them. Prioritize for salvage as follows:
* Contemporary colour prints;
* Black-and-white prints;
* Black-and-white negatives.
Most photographs can be either air-dried (face up)
or frozen, then thawed and air-dried.
WHAT TO KEEP OR DISCARD
Remove and replace all insulation materials and other
articles that have been soaked, including particleboard
furniture, mattresses, box springs, stuffed toys, pillows,
as well furniture coverings, paddings and cushions.
Frames on high-quality furniture can often be salvaged.
However, they must first be cleaned, disinfected and
rinsed, then dried by ventilation away from direct sunlight
or heat. Drying too quickly can cause warping and cracking.
Scrape heavy dirt from washable clothes. Rinse and
wash them several times in cold water treated with one
cup of chlorine bleach per washer load, and dry quickly.
Consult your lawyer to determine whether flood-damaged
documents or just the information in them must be retained.
The yard area should also be cleared of all debris and
refuse, which can provide a breeding ground for bacteria
and mould. Keep children away from contaminated areas
during clean-up operations.
BEFORE MOVING BACK IN
Once the flood waters have receded, you must not live
in your house until several steps have been followed:
* The regular water supply has been inspected and officially
declared safe for use * Every flood-contaminated room
has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and surface-dried
* All contaminated dishes and utensils have been thoroughly
washed and disinfected either by using boiling water
or by using a sterilizing solution of one part chlorine
bleach to four parts water; then rinse dishes and utensils
thoroughly * Adequate toilet facilities are available.
(For more information, consult your local health authority.)
HEATING SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES
Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets,
switch boxes or fuse-breaker panels until they have
been checked by your local utility.
Whether you use a wood, gas or electrical heating system,
ensure that you have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified
technician before using it again. If they have been
soaked, replace the furnace blower motor, switches and
controls. Flooded forced-air heating ducts and return-duct
pans should be either cleaned or replaced. Replace filters
and insulation inside furnaces, water heaters, refrigerators
and freezers if they have been wet. However, it is often
cheaper to replace this equipment.
FLOOR DRAINS
Flush and disinfect floor drains and sump pumps using
undiluted chlorine bleach. Scrub them to remove greasy
dirt and grime. Clean or replace footing drains outside
the foundation when they are clogged. Consult a professional
for advice or service.
FOOD
Any of the following food items exposed toflood waters
must be disposed of:
* The contents of your freezer or refrigerator
* All meats
* All fresh fruit and vegetables
* All boxed foods
* All bottled drinks and products in jars, including
home preserves - since the area under the seal of jars
and bottles cannot be properly disinfected
* All medicines, cosmetics and other toiletries. All
undamaged canned goods must be thoroughly washed and
disinfected. Any cans with large dents or that reveal
seepage must also be disposed of.
(A reminder: Anything that stays wet long enough will
grow mould, and mould can make people sick. Dry everything
quickly to avoid future health problems.)
For other self-help advice on emergency preparedness,
follow instructions offered by your local emergency
services or contact your provincial emergency measures
organization. For further information on the subject
matter covered in this publication, contact:
E-mail: sgarde@cam.org
This publication was co-produced by Emergency Preparedness
Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in
co-operation with the National Archives of Canada and
the Canadian Conservation Institute.
First Published: early-March, 2001
Updated: September 2003
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