{% hint style="warning" %} Before you start to stay or clean the house, keep the doors and windows open for around 30 minutes to reduce odor levels and allow for dilution of airborne contaminants {% endhint %}
| Type of Inspection | If Yes | If No |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a structural damage | Do not enter the home until a professional has inspected and approved it is as safe. | Good to go |
| Is the electrical system working fine? | If there is electricity but not rated as safe, DO NOT use the system. Plan on renting or buying a generator for clean-up work or Seek help from any NGO (Check in https://keralarescue.in/ngoview/). Do not use open flames for lighting or heat. | Make sure the main electrical switch is turned off and have your electrician or KSEB inspect your service before using it. DO NOT enter an area of the home that has standing water until the power has been shut off. |
| Has the natural gas system been inspected? | Good to go | Before using it, have the supply company inspect your cylinder, gaspipe and other connectors. Make sure the gas line entering the home is turned off. |
| Do you smell natural gas? | Immediately, call your supply company or distributor or police for help | Good to go |
| Do you have water clogged in any area? | Wear boots before entering water. Make a decision whether the water needs to be pumped out or taken out using a mug and bucket. If needed, ent or buy a water pump. | Good to go |
| Do the water pipes, faucets, sinks and tubs have holes, cracks or leaks? | Close the valve of the water leading to the damaged pipe. Talk to your plumber to have it inspected and fixed. You can ask around for free volunteer services. | Do not drink or use water for cooking or washing food or bathing until the water utility or public health department says that it is safe to use |
| Is the flood contamination be limited to certain rooms and floors?Example: Did the second floor have no water damage or no signs of mold? | It may be possible to cut off areas for storage. See Site Preparation to know more about how to cut off section in the house. | Good to go |
| Was the home built before 1978? | The house paint might be lead-based and one should use lead safe work practices if they’re planning to paint. See HUD Lead paint safety field guide - http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/training/LBPguide.pdf | Good to go |
| Are there any floor with 8” x 8” or 9” x 9” tiles or asbestos | These rigid floor tiles are made before 1970 and can contain some asbestos chemical. They can cause cancer and other diseases so spray the tiles with water and then carefully remove. Talk to an asbestos specialist to remove these materials, especially if they’re are non rigid i.e easily crumbled. | Good to go |
| Was the heating and air conditioning system flooded or are there signs of damage? | Do not use the system until a professional can inspect and suggest a solutions.You can also ask around for free volunteer services. | Good to go |
| Are there any damage to doors, trim, windows, cabinet and large appliances? | All of these components can be saved if not replaced.Think about the following prices and make a decision not to heavy for your wallet:Second hand priceCost to buy a new one.Cost to repair them.Do not preserve pressboard cabinets or hollow-core doors as they can have mold growth. When appliances are flooded, they can rarely be saved. | Good to go |
| Are there an active roof leak or other damage that would let water into the house? | Cover the damages area or the entire roof with a tarpaulin until it can be fixed. Ensure there must be a temporary water- and wind-tight roof before beginning the repair. If the house is insured, contact them immediately, but do not wait for the claims-adjuster to arrive. Before removing wet and moldy materials, take photographs for insurance purposes.Assume that building interiors are seriously contaminated with mold if:If the building was wet or under water for more than 48 hours.You see more mold growth than what was present before the flood.You see signs of water damage or mold or smell of strong mold | ** |
Source : Manoj Nair
Edited By: Nijil David