Don’t Avoid the Issue
It’s not fun to think about unfortunate events. No one wants to imagine a disaster that leaves their home or business devastated, bursting with foul mud and water that destroys everything it touches.
But we live in a near-paradise that, from time to time, exacts a price in exchange for its unique beauty: floods. Whether for yourself or someone you know, San Diego flood cleanup is likely going to brush with you eventually. So think about your property, your family and your plans for dealing with possible future flooding, now.
San Diego Flood Cleanup Safety Resources
As you make your emergency and flood cleanup plans, check out these great resources to help you protect your family and property:
SAFETY NOTE: San Diego Flood Cleanup Exposes You to Contaminants
When flooding occurs, the murky water contains residue from a wide array of sources, including biological contaminants that include feces and potentially harmful microscopic organisms, as well as chemicals that can run the spectrum of toxicity to humans.
Floodwater warning from OSHA:
“Floodwater often contains infectious organisms, including intestinal bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella; Hepatitis A Virus; and agents of typhoid, paratyphoid and tetanus. The signs and symptoms experienced by the victims of waterborne microorganisms are similar, even though they are caused by different pathogens. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches, and fever. Most cases of sickness associated with flood conditions are brought about by ingesting contaminated food or water. Tetanus, however, can be acquired from contaminated soil or water entering broken areas of the skin, such as cuts, abrasions, or puncture wounds.Tetanus is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system and causes severe muscle spasms, known as lockjaw. The symptoms may appear weeks after exposure and may begin as a headache, but later develop into difficulty swallowing or opening the jaw.”
Learn more about flood cleanup risks from this OSHA Flood Cleanup Fact Sheet.
More San Diego Flood Cleanup Safety Reminders:
- Never enter a flooded building unless you’ve confirmed disconnection of main power and gas service and ensured that the building hasn’t sustained structural damage that could make it unstable.
- Never touch any electrical equipment unless it’s in a dry area, you are dry and you’re standing on a dry surface.
- Be mindful that standing floodwater can contain chemical and biological contaminants. Minimize your exposure. Make sure you clean and disinfect your person, your clothes and any tools that are exposed to any kind of floodwater..
- If remains flooded wet for more than 24 hours, be alert for potential mold growth. Tight spaces that remain wet and warm are fertile grounds for fungus and bacteria. Consider consulting a mold testing and remediation specialist.
Got Flood Damage in Your San Diego Home or Business? Trust Abbotts!
We’ve built our business by working hard to be the best at helping our community recover from unfortunate events ranging from fire to flood and everything in between. Call Abbotts today!
More info:
U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration Flood Safety Facts
