What to do: Aftermath of the Flood

Just reposting tips for cleanup and what to do after the floods. Hope this helps.

AFTER THE FLOOD
http://www.okeechobeeeoc.com/floodtips.htm

• Test drinking water for potability; wells should be pumped out and the water tested before drinking.
• Do not use fresh food that has come in contact with flood waters.
• Restrict children from playing in flooded areas. Hidden sharp objects and open storm drains are safety hazards. If kids do play in standing water, bathe them as soon as possible and watch for signs of infection or disease.
  
• Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet area; electrical equipment should be checked and dried before returning to service.
• Unclog storm drains, culverts, and ditches. Standing water breeds mosquitoes, which carry disease.
• Use flashlights, not lanterns or torches, to examine buildings; flammables may be inside.
• Report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities.
• Open windows and doors to let the air circulate. This will help remove foul odors and protect you from escaping gas. It will also help dry out the house. Take pictures of the damage.
• Begin cleanup as soon as possible. Throw out any perishable foods; they may be contaminated. Hose down hard goods such as major appliances and furniture.
• Make any temporary repairs necessary to stop further losses from the elements or from looting.

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  Flood-Damaged Vehicles 
   http://everythinginbudget.blogspot.com/2012/08/guide-flood-survival-kit-emergency.html#ixzz23VDsgrvr
   

  • Remove all mud, garbage, and other traces of flood water from your car using fresh water to stop parts from rusting out quickly.
  • If water entered the engine cylinder, replace the oil with a fresh supply. Wash the cylinder clean and change the engine oil again. Repeat the process until oil in the engine looks the same as when it came from the container.
  • Check the car’s brakes as these may be damaged by flood water. To be on the safe side, the car’s brake system including the four wheels and the master cylinder should be overhauled. When in doubt, don’t use the car until it is repaired.
  • If the whole car is submerged in flood, wait for the water to subside. Resist the urge to salvage it and seek the help of a professional. Have the car towed and checked for damages.
  • Check if the car has insurance coverage against so-called “acts of God” or acts of nature. If the car has it, get a compensation claim. If it doesn’t, consider getting one.
  • It is best to replace all of the car’s parts if the entire vehicle was submerged in flood water. Entrust cars only to reputable shops, as some mechanics tend to take advantage of the situation and charge higher. Those who are not willing to spend thousands having their cars fixed may consider selling instead.
  • After the repairs, use the car every day to see if some damages have been overlooked. In particular, check the brakes, wipers and car locks.

  
  

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  Survival tips: what to do before, during, and after the flood

  By CARMELA G. LAPEÑA, GMA News August 8, 2012 3:15pm

  Cars

  
  

  When your car is already in floodwater, disconnect the car battery. This will prevent the computer box from getting short-circuited, Top Gear Philippines said, citing Concept One Wheels.

  For those who aren't able to move their car to higher ground, HP Racing gave these tips:

  • Remove the car battery.
  • Remove the computer box.
  • Remove the head unit.
  • Spray the alternator with WD-40 and wrap the alternator in plastic.
  • Cover the tailpipe with plastic, and use a rubber band to seal it tight.
  • Do the same for the intake manifold.
  • Spray the sensors from all angles with WD-40.

  Top Gear also shared tips from drifter and Car Porn founder Ian King's Twitter account. King advised those using a car with automatic transmission to "shift it to Low (or '1') to keep the engine's revolution up and keep water from entering the exhaust pipe." 

  For those using vehicles with manual transmission, King said drivers should "ride the clutch pedal to keep the engine's revs up and prevent it from stalling." 

  Ford Philippines also shared a Flood Driving Action Guide based on information from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

  According to the guide, you should not drive unless absolutely necessary.

  "Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don't try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath," the guide said.

  They warned that six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling, and one foot of water can already float many vehicles.

  "Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pick-ups," the guide added.

  "If you have driven through water up to the wheel rims or higher, test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speed. If they are wet and not stopping the vehicle as they should, dry them by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while maintaining speed with your right foot,” it said.

  For cars that have already been submerged in floodwater up to any part of its electrical system, car owners should not turn on the car's ignition, Volvo Philippines said.

  They also advised car owners to bring their vehicle to authorized service centers after driving through deep water. "If your car has stalled while traversing deep water, do not attempt to restart the vehicle as this may result in service damage to engine components," they said. 

  
  

  Household cleaning
  
  

  After Ondoy in 2009, GMA News Online compiled tips and tricks to help bookworms salvage their beloved tomes. 

  Dirty pages can be cleaned with running water, or rinsed in a basin. Paper towels or blotting paper can be placed in between pages to help dry the books.

  The Department of Health advised residents in areas affected by flooding to make sure their drinking water is clean and purified. DOH Secretary Enrique Ona said that "clear" water could still be contaminated. "Purifying it by boiling or disinfection will make it potable,” he said in a previous report. 

  Meanwhile, those cleaning up their homes after a flood can follow these tips listed by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

  • Open windows and doors to remove excess moisture. Dehumidifiers and fans can also help.
  • Make sure you wear rubber boots when drying out your house. 
  • Keep children and pets away from the affected area. 
  • Use hot water and detergent for cleaning hard surfaces, as well as clothes contaminated by flood water or sewage water. 
  • Throw items that cannot be washed and disinfected. 

  
  Wet cellphones

  
  For wet cellphones, Popular Mechanics said the first step is to remove the battery and SIM card. Then you can dry the phone by blowing or sucking the water out.

  
  You can also submerge the phone in a bowl of silica gel packets, or a bowl of dry rice. Do not use a hairdryer or put the phone in the microwave.

  
  "If your phone gets soaked in salt water, you should probably flush the whole thing in fresh water before it dries. When salt water evaporates, it leaves crystals that can damage a phone's fragile components. Just be sure to remove the battery before flooding the device," they said. –KG, GMA 

  
  

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