After the Disaster
Make sure no one is hurt or missing
The first thing you should do following a disaster is to check for injuries, and make sure everyone is accounted for. Also, survey your home or business, but keep these tips in mind:
- If your home or business is damaged, shut off utilities
- Watch out for broken glass, nails, loose and hanging debris
- Do not wade into standing water
- As soon as practical, secure your home from further damage, however, do not risk getting injured
If your home is damaged following a disaster:
Check your surroundings before going in. Check outside for dangling power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage
- Make sure porch roofs and overhangs have the proper support
- If the building is damaged, have a building inspector or contractor check it before you enter
- Turn off the electricity. Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, make sure your home's power supply is disconnected
- If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, leave your home immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's house.
- Enter your home carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean your ceiling is ready to fall. If you force the door open, wait outside the doorway in case debris falls.
- Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard. It is very heavy or dangerous if it falls.
- Make sure the electricity is off and hose down the house to remove health hazards left behind by floodwater mud. Shovel out as much mud as possible, and remove water quickly using a mop or squeegee.