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A building that has been damaged by rising water is a dangerous place. Keep children out of the property until it has been inspected, repaired and cleaned.
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Structural
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Do not go into a building until all floodwater has receded and emergency officials say it is safe to return.
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Avoid contact with remaining floodwater as it is often contaminated.
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Do not enter a building if the framing or foundation is damaged. Often, damage to the foundation, walls or roof cannot be seen. If you aren't sure, have a building inspector check the integrity of the flooded structure.
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Utilities
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Have a professional check for damage to water, natural gas, electric and sanitary sewer lines.
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Do not enter a flooded or wet building if the power is on. If electrical circuits have gotten wet, get the power turned off at the main breaker and leave it off until the structure has been professionally repaired and inspected.
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Report any downed power lines to the local power company.
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Don't smoke or use candles or lanterns inside a flooded building unless you are certain the natural gas has been turned off.
Exposure to carbon monoxide can be deadly. Never operate portable generators inside a building.
If you suspect sewer line damage or backups, don't use toilets. If water pipes are damaged, don't drink water from the faucet.
Hire a professional to repair damaged septic tanks or wells. Have well water tested for contamination.
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Important after-flood phone numbers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Hazardous Materials
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Be aware of residue that might be left in your home from pesticides, fuel oil, gasoline, chemicals or other substances that came in contact with floodwater.
Biological Hazards
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Floodwater may have left bacteria or viruses inside your home. They could cause illness when you breathe them in or if they enter through a cut in your skin.
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Almost any material that is wet for more than 24-hours can grow mold and mildew. Some molds produce toxins that cause other illnesses.
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After Returning Home
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Take pictures of the damage for flood insurance claims.
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Watch for loose plaster, drywall or ceiling that could fall.
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Be alert for snakes and other displaced wildlife that may be in your home.
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Remove all of the floodwater, dirt and debris
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Remove all carpet and padding. The remaining floor and sub-flooding must be dried out and completely disinfected.
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Wet walls should be stripped to the studs and insulation removed. Leave walls open to dry.
Clean out and dry crawl spaces.
Pump out flooded basements slowly (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.
Check the heating and air conditioning systems. Interior components will need to be inspected, cleaned and disinfected by professionals. Air vents should be removed, disinfected and reinstalled. Air ducts that got wet will need to be replaced.
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Throw away any food or medicine that may have been in contact with floodwater.
Salvage what you can. Clothing can usually be laundered or sent to a professional dry cleaner. Mattresses, upholstered furniture, and furniture made of particle board likely will have mold growing inside and should be thrown away.
Properly dispose of household chemicals and hazardous materials that may have gotten wet.
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