3 Flood Safety Issues You Should Know About

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding can cause severe water damage.

One of the primary concerns for property owners during and after a flood is water damage to property. However, there are also safety issues that you should be aware of. These are three of the most common.

1. Contaminated Water

Floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, human or animal waste, chemicals, pesticides, microorganisms and other potentially harmful substances. Water that is possibly highly contaminated, such as floodwater from rivers and streams, is called black water. This type of water requires protective gear and specific training to be removed safely.

If your building requires water remediation due to flooding, contact a professional water remediation company in Sandy, UT.

2. Flooded Roads

Attempting to drive through standing water can cause water damage to vehicles and create a safety hazard. While large commercial vehicles may be less likely to be washed away than passenger vehicles, there is still a risk that the driver could lose control of the vehicle or the vehicle could stall out resulting in the driver becoming stranded.

Additionally, it is difficult to know what may be under the water on a flooded road. The road could be washed away or contain hazardous objects.

3. Electrocution Risk

Storms that cause flooding often also lead to downed power lines. Live wires that come in contact with standing water can create a risk of electrocution. Avoid walking through standing water if at all possible. If you or your employees must enter a flooded area, wear protective rubber boots and gloves and shut off the power to the building before entering. If you can not safely get to the main shut-off, contact the power company and ask them to shut the power off for you.

Water damage to property is not the only risk property owners face after a flood. Be aware of these three common safety hazards and how to avoid them.