Water Emergency Do's and Don'ts

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

From Clean Water Source

DO:

• Shut off the source of the water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors. 
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.

DON’T:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water.
• Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

From Contaminated Water Source

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items. 
• If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician. 

DON’T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.

From Harmful Waste

Sewage, Blood-borne Pathogens, etc. 

DO:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening. 
• Treat all body fluids as if they are contaminated. 

DON’T:

• Attempt cleanup of any kind.
• Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.