The US Embassy has put together a handy list of suggestions for flood cleanup and recovery on their website. As waters recede in parts of Bangkok these could come in handy!
– As floodwaters recede, visit your home during daylight hours so you can see potential hazards. Report downed power lines to the Metropolitan Electric Authority by calling 1130. Take pictures of the building and contents before you start cleaning. Pictures help with insurance claims.
- – If water entered your home, you are advised to have an electrician evaluate the electrical system before turning on appliances or plugging things into electrical outlets. Even if the floor is dry, moisture may be trapped behind the walls and in electrical equipment. It is dangerous to turn on the power without having an electrician evaluate the home.
- – Your water storage tanks may also need attention. If your water well has been flooded, it is most likely not safe to drink. Use only water from a known, safe source for drinking, cooking, making ice or baby formula, dishwashing, or brushing teeth. The safest water choices at this time are bottles of water you buy at a store or water boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute. Local officials may have more information. Ask an expert!
- – The mud and sediment floods leave behind may be contaminated. Wear sturdy shoes, gloves and goggles to protect yourself, and use an N95 particulate filtering mask to avoid allergy and sinus irritation.
- – Visually survey your property. Look around the grounds; check walls, floors, furnishings and appliances for damage, moisture and signs of mold.
- – Take out and throw away porous things that soak up water. Wood, wallboard, wallpaper, insulation, carpeting, and mattresses can grow mold that can make you sick. When in doubt, throw it out! Sheetrock walls with mold should be replaced. Cut out the section of moldy sheetrock and repair with new sheetrock. Non-porous wood and other non-porous materials may be cleaned with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.
- – Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners!
- – Pump floodwater out of your basement slowly. Pump about one-third of the water each day to avoid damage to basement walls. Pressure from water in soil outside the walls can break walls if you pump water out too quickly.
- – Run fans, dehumidifiers and air conditioning to move air in your house and help things dry. If you’re running dehumidifiers and air conditioning, keep the windows closed.
- – People sometimes use portable generators for making power. Other gas powered tools are often used for cleaning. NEVER use a generator, fuel-powered tools, or a gas or charcoal grill in the house, garage, enclosed areas, or near windows, doors, vents, window air conditioners, and other openings. Carbon monoxide may cause headache, severe fatigue, weakness, chest pain in those with heart disease, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, confusion and lack of coordination. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and death. If you start to feel sick or dizzy while using fuel-burning equipment, get to fresh air right away. DO NOT WAIT!
- – Food is usually safe unless it touched floodwater or was not kept cold. Throw out food or drink if: it has an odd odor, color, or texture; it touched floodwater and is not in a waterproof package; it has a screw cap or “pop top”; or if the can is rusted, swollen, leaking or badly creased or dented. Cans that aren’t damaged may be saved by removing the label, washing with soap and clean water, and sanitizing with a mix of one tablespoon bleach in one gallon of safe water. Write the product name and expiration date on the can.
- – If you lose power, a refrigerator will keep food cool for 4-6 hours if you keep it closed. Food will stay frozen for one day in a freezer that is half-full and kept closed; or up to 2 days if it is full. Remember,when in doubt, throw it out!
- – Scrub hands often with soap and safe water then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if it is available.
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