In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, experts at the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies recommend safety tips when returning to a business or home after a flood, hurricane or severe storm.
The Warren, N.J.-based Chubb said to use common sense and follow all emergency rules, laws and regulations. It cautioned that saving a home or business and possessions, no matter how important, is not worth risking life or permanent injury.
o Enter a home or building carefully. If the door sticks, it could mean the ceiling is sagging. If the door is forced open, pause to allow debris to fall.
o Turn off electrical and gas sources, even if service in the area is off.
o Document structural damage and inventory contents as best as possible with video or photographs. Save samples of unique structural features, such as moldings and wallpaper. Save samples of discarded items such as carpets and upholstery. Retain samples for insurance claims process.
o Eliminate excess moisture. Ventilate the space by opening windows and doors, and use fans to promote evaporation by exhausting humid air to the outside.
o Floors, doors and trim--Most wood will expand and deform when wet, but it often returns to near its original shape as it dries.
o Carpeting and rugs--Wall-to-wall carpeting exposed to flood waters should generally be discarded; however, area rugs can often be salvaged and restored by professional cleaners.
o Wallpaper--The Federal Emergency Management Agency cautions that wallpaper paste may promote mold growth; so, wallpaper that has been submerged will likely have to be removed and replaced. Wallpaper with historical significance may be retained based on the degree of damage.
o Flooded basement--A few inches of water may be pumped out safely. If the level of water in the basement is the same as the groundwater level outside the house, pumping water from the basement won't help. Leave the water in place until the groundwater table sinks and the water recedes.
o Salvaging water-damaged documents, artwork and collectibles, birth certificates and wedding albums--Secure a storage area for the items. Find a cool, dry room that has good air circulation and set up slow box fans to keep the air moving and prevent mildew growth.
o Documents, deeds, passports and birth certificates--Take care of the most valuable articles first. Time is of the essence, and any delay could make a big difference in the chances of survival for the document or artifact.
o Books--Stand damp books with their spines facing up, supported by their covers slightly apart and pages fanned and hanging. Fan the pages every few hours. When mostly dry, lay the books down and make a stack with cooking parchment paper separating each book so they dry flat.
o Loose papers and manuscripts--Spread them out on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
o Paintings--Do not touch the surface of the painting and do not remove the painting from the frame. Keep the painting face up in a horizontal position, especially if it is flaking.
o Photographs and negatives--Remove photos from frames immediately when still wet, but do not wipe, touch or try to blot the photos. If the photos were damaged by dirty water, rinse them gently with clean, cold water in a tub or sink and place them on paper towels face up. Do not stack the photographs.
o Photo albums--Place wax paper between pages and alternately expose each page to the air until the album is mostly dry, according to Chubb.
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