After a Flood, Get Out of Deep Water with a Generator
What to Do After a Flood
Once the flood waters recede, the damage left behind to your home or business can be overwhelming. Not only are floods responsible for more deaths than tornadoes or hurricanes, but they are also responsible for billions of dollars in property damage annually. But with some hard work and effort your flooded home or business can be cleaned up, dried out, rebuilt, and reoccupied sooner than you think. Here are some safety tips for what to do once you return to your property after a flood:
- If your electricity has not already been turned off, make sure a qualified professional handles this. You should NEVER touch a source of electricity while standing in flood water.
- Using a generator and a pump, you will be able to get the remaining flood waters out of your home or business. Remember to NEVER operate a generator indoors because the fumes can quickly become fatal. So place your generator outdoors.
- Consult your utility company about using electric equipment, including a generator. Keep in mind that it is a violation of electrical codes to connect a generator directly to your home or business’ electrical system without an approved, professionally installed, transfer switch. If a generator is on line when power is restored, it could be a fire hazard and also be dangerous for the utility workers in your area. So you will need to just plug your appliances directly into the generator using a heavy duty extension cord.
- When using a generator and pump to remove water, make sure to only pump out water when flood levels outside your property are lower than inside. This will reduce the risk of structural damage.
- Be careful. Anything from structural damage to things in the flood water that can harm you or make you sick are possibilities. Be cautious when entering an area for the first time after a flood. It is possible that your power might not be restored for a while, but you’ll want to get your property dried out and cleaned as soon as possible to prevent mold and further damage. Using a generator to plug in light sources and cleaning appliances can help speed this process up. For more on generators, see our buyer’s guides here.
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