Tropical Storm Fay is a good example of a disaster. She stayed in certain areas and dumped more than 20 inches of rain. This level of rainwater is impossible to contain with a regular drainage system, the ground tends to become saturated and drainage will take over. In reality, there is just too much water. The local drainage was not designed to handle this much rain water. Result, massive backup of the runoff water which leads to flooding. This type of flooding is not preventable due to the structure of the drainage systems that were designed for normal conditions.
Next question is; What do we do next if your home has become flooded. First, try to stop the water source if possible. If you can't evacuate to higher ground. For information on flooding go to FEMA's Website on floods, they have excellent information and a tool to give you an estimate about the approximate cost of the damage from the flood to your home, try it. Example: 6 inches of water is $11,480.00. Cool Tool! Try it, you'll like it. The important thing to remember, carry Flood Insurance, I do and I live in Florida. Most people do not realize that their Homeowners' Policy excludes floods from exterior rising water.
If you are experiencing a flood, common sense tells you to move all items to higher elevation if you can. I have dealt with many floods in homes from plumbing breaks, guess what, most people just look at it and do nothing except call someone to clean it up. Remember, your insurance policy states that you must try to protect your possessions from further damage or they will deny that portion of the claim. I have seen this happen. Check with your Homeowners Insurance Company for clarification on their policy of dealing with floods or plumbing leaks. Always have your Insurance coverage analyzed by your agent to keep it current with rising inflation.
Mold is the result from a flood if it is not dried up within 72 hours. In the case of flooding by Tropical Storm Fay, it is impossible to do this because the damage was on a massive scale. There just isn't enough manpower and equipment to solve this problem quickly. Just try to protect your irreplaceable items. Remember, use common sense.
Animals such as snakes and rats will run from a flood. In Florida, we have also have to worry about alligators. If you are walking in a flooded area, be aware of your surroundings for these creatures. Don't be surprised if you find rats in your home, they will find any small hole into your home to stay dry. The problem with that is, snakes follow the rats for a food source. Be careful, I was in a flooded area last week and saw a rattlesnake in the backyard, he was sunning himself in a dry area of the yard. I remember once walking up on a Lynx, not a good experience. He was trying to stay dry on a back porch, all I did was stop and then walk backwards slowing. He took off and was history. Like I say, be aware of your surroundings. Forget your IPOD, you must be in tune with your surroundings and listen or you will get hurt. If you are listening to music, you will never hear that distinctive rattle sound of a rattlesnake before he bites you.
Remediation is impossible till the water recedes. If you must enter these environments, wear a HEPA rated respirator. I do not use or recommend the N95 masks that some people recommend; they never fit tightly against your face for good protection. Better to be safe than sorry in the long run. Safety goggles will help prevent exposure to your eyes from mold spores. After Hurricane Wilma, I investigated many homes that flooded from roof leaks or the roofs blew off. Mold was everywhere, total loss in most cases.I have lots of pictures if anyone is interested. Will post them to the website under Hurricane Wilma. Imagine your home with black mold growing from floor to ceiling, get the picture. It is not a pretty picture to see peoples' entire lives destroyed.
In conclusion, floods can be a dangerous place in a rural area. You will have to deal with more than mold and water, such as rats, snakes and alligators. When the waters recede, be very careful going through your personal possessions. You might find an uninvited guest in your home.Be sure to hire a licensed, certified Remediator to handle the job. They should have credentials such as the Indoor Air Quality Association. No credentials, don't hire them. Make them show you their credentials. If they earned them, they will show you. I personally have them with me at all times. Too many people were burned by the last couple of hurricanes here by phony remediators.
I hope this information will make you more aware of what you pick up and where you walk. Stay out of palmettos and tall brushes. If you have any questions, call me at (954) 531-6476.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1441184
