After a water incident you should determine the stability of your premises and check if there are signs of water damage. You must never enter a house until a professional declares it to be structurally safe. A careful look at the walls and ceilings is mandatory to ensure house structure is free from water damage. Stay out if the ceilings are sagging due to water build up or if the walls have collapsed. Should the structure be declared safe enough to enter, you should move in carefully and determine internal stability. Any deep standing water has to be avoided.



As water is a good conductor of electricity, you must make sure that the power supply has been cut off or suffer another instance of water damage. You should proceed with the assumption that the power lines area are active and functioning and proceed to turn off the power to your unit by disabling the main circuit breaker. Do this even when the power grid is down. To locate the panel, look in the garage, utility room, the basement or outdoors on the side of the home. Avoid using any electrical appliances when standing on wet carpets or floors. Should you decide to begin removing excess water, a regular vacuum should be used. In the absence of electricity, you might opt to use a generator as an alternative source of power. If you do, make sure you do not run it in an enclosed area as it releases the hazardous carbon monoxide. The generator should also be allowed to cool off before refueling and no extension cables should be attached to it.

The water supply should also be switched off as there is always the risk that it could be contaminated. Make sure you have plenty of bottled or boiled water for drinking and do not use piped water until it is declared safe. To turn off the water supply, locate the main valve and turn it clockwise - pliers or an adjustable wrench might be needed for this. The main valve is usually located in the basement near the water meter. If you are unable to complete this task on your own, you should employ the services of a plumber.

Another precaution to observe is to turn off the gas supply. Checking for the odor of natural gas, search for the main gas valve- usually located on the gas supply pipe near the meter - and shut off the gas supply.

Water damage also brings problems on stray pets. Flood water usually disturbs animals and they could easily have taken shelter in your house. You should therefore look out for stray pets, rodents and reptiles that could be in the house. Care should be exercised when approaching such animals and the assistance of your local animal control officer should be sought. For all clean up exercises, make sure you use protective gear.