WHEN THERE IS A FLOOD FIRST THINGS FIRST

Flooding can cause damages worth millions of naira to your home, and it's a very difficult to clean up. The steps to take once there is a flood and how to safely begin the process of recovery.

Response to a flood must be quick and efficient. The longer water lingers, the more severe the damage will be.

Eliminate Danger

First thing is to ensure the flooded area is safe to work. Number one concern electrical danger. Check for electrical appliances that may have been damaged before, during or after the flood.

Be careful that live electrical cables are not exposed as you begin to assess damage. If there is any risk of electrical shock exposure, first turn off the power to the building and resolve the danger.

Know the Source

Flood can come from three main sources:

• Source 1 is cleanwater. This water comes from an overflowing sink, bathtub, or broken water supply line. This is the preferred source should water damage occur, since it poses minimal risk of contamination or respiratory danger.
• Source 2 water is sometimes called "gray" water. It is not drinkable, but also not full of sewage. Source 2 water can contain soap and/or food contaminants but not raw sewage.
• Source 3 water, sometimes called "black" water, is highly contaminated. It contains bacteria or chemicals harmful to touch, consume or inhale. Source 3 water must be removed by a professional with proper immunizations and personal protective equipment. Source 3 water can include any type of sewer back-up, water that has run across open ground before entering the structure, or anything related to a chemical spill. And it occurs mainly in Nigeria when rain falls.

Shut off the Source

If the water is Source 1 or 2, your next step is stopping the source. (If Source 3, the best advice is to wait for a professional.) Be sure you know where your main shut-off valve is for your home's water supply. If the leakage is coming from an appliance or fixture with a shut-off valve, turn this valve off instead of the water to the entire building.

Save what you can as fast as you safely can.

After you have identified and stopped the source of the water, action to prevent further damage to household items and materials. This can include:

• Furniture: Immediately relocate furniture soaked in water. This is very important for wood furnishings, or those that have a stain finish prone to bleeding. Nothing ruins carpet quicker than bleeding, wet furniture.
• Valuable Household Items: Like documents, photographs, and valuables.
• Flooring: Once furnishings are removed and wall-finishes are stripped to drywall, you can address the flooring. As a general rule, carpet and cushion (pad) damaged with Source 1 water can be cleaned and salvaged. Carpet cushion damaged by Source2 water needs to be disposed, but the carpet can be sanitized and salvaged. Flooring damaged by Source 3 water needs to be disposed of immediately.

If you have light water damage, you may be able to deal with it yourself. Place floor fans approximately 12′ along the room(s) perimeter, pointing the air flow in a clockwise direction. This pushes the air to the outside of the room.