Tips for Responding to a Flood Situation

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Suggestions for Dealing with a Flood

If you find yourself in the middle of a disaster, you probably want to help out others if you can. However, if you are not trained or certified as a professional first responder, you should proceed with caution. If the disaster involves rising waters, you should only act if it is safe to do so, otherwise, you could become a victim and add to the burdens of emergency personnel. Your role will likely be limited to helping friends and family members exit to a place of safety and then calling for help from the appropriate agencies or companies.

The Need for a Fast Flood Response

Time is of the essence after a storm that causes flooding, especially if it goes into your home or a neighbor's home in Orange Park, FL. The longer the waters remain in a residential structure, the more damage that is likely to occur. Necessary first responder personnel includes medical professionals such as EMTs if anyone is injured. A professional flood mitigation company should also be called early to begin several time-critical tasks:

Water removal
Drying and ventilation
Cleaning and sanitizing

Trained technicians will also make sure the scene is safe by eliminating hazards and turning off electrical systems. They can minimize the scope of damage by taking quick action.

The Necessity of Immunizations

Working in a flood recovery zone often puts workers in close contact with the hazards of contaminated water and scared animals. This leads to a higher risk of illnesses such as tetanus, hepatitis, typhoid, cholera, and rabies. This means some personnel should consider getting vaccinations that could prevent a potentially serious illness. Other precautions such as wearing gloves and masks can also limit exposure to pathogens.
The work of a first responder calls for specialized knowledge and an understanding of hazards. You should only respond to a flood situation if you can do so safely.