What To Do After The Flood
A flood can be
a high stress event even on the best of days, but unless you have the luxury of
another home to go live in if one is wiped out, flooding is going to
significantly change your life on virtually every level. In most cases, it goes beyond the flood damage to your home and into the arena of parasites, disease, and psychological
stress.
Recent flooding
in Canada saw over 3000 homes flooded in a period of days. Government agencies breached a dike on the
Assiniboine River, intentionally flooding another 150 homes but saving over 800
from damage.
Floodwaters
often mix with sewage, containing human and animal waste material. This may contaminate well water and food,
putting residents at risk for disease and other serious health issues.
Sewage alone
contains numerous bacteria, viruses, and micro-organisms. E-coli, salmonella, and gastroenteritis are
some of the risks associated with it, causing vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and
fever. Parasites such as giardia and
cryptosporidium may cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps that may last a month
or longer.
Seven people
died and about 2,500 others became ill in 2000 when E. coli contaminated the
municipal drinking water system in Walkerton, Ont. In 2001, 7,100 people became
ill and 1,907 cases of cryptosporidiosis were confirmed in North Battleford,
Sask., after a water filtration plant failure. Flooding was not a factor,
however, in either case.
Of course the
other major health problem associated with flooding (or any kind of water
damage) is mold. Mold may pose special
problems for people with asthma or other allergy symptoms; they may experience
stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, skin irritation, and even more serious
disorders such as lung infections.
In addition to
mold, another problem that occurs as the result of standing water is the
breeding ground for mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile Virus. While reported cases of this disease have
been on the decline, it is still a very real threat and should not be ignored.
Contaminated
water may also cause infections if exposed to cuts or sores, so protective
clothing should always be worn when working in and around flood waters. Protective eyewear is also recommended as
germs can gain access to your system if contaminated water gets splashed in
your eyes. If you believe you may be
dealing with mold, a face mask is suggested or better yet, a respirator,
designed to filter out any harmful spores.
One problem
that is not as widely talked about is the psychological stress that may result
from flooding, caused by the significant changes brought about in their lives
as a result of the flooding.
With all the
risks involved in dealing with water damage, it makes little sense to try and
repair the problem on your own. Your
best choice in such matters is to contact your local IICRC certified water
damage restoration company. These
professional outfits are available 24/7 and prepared to deal with all of the
circumstances outlined in this article.
They can be at your home within an hour of your call, ready to begin the
water cleanup and restoration procedures that will return your home or business
to its pre loss condition.
IICRC
certification means that the company you choose will be fully staffed, up to
date on all the latest water damage repair equipment and techniques, and offer
a full range of services from basic water extraction and drying, to more
involved processes such as carpet cleaning and mold remediation.
Don’t put your
home or health at risk…call your local IICRC professionals today for a free
estimate or phone consultation. 
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