Returning home after an emergency

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Returning home can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.

� Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.

� Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home. Note: the flashlight should be turned on outside, before entering � the battery may produce a spark that could ignite any leaking gas that is present.

� Use the phone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

� Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects, downed electrical wires and weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks.

After a power outage

Returning home after a flood

Cleaning up after a flood

Drinking water supply

After a power outage

�         Turn on only the most essential appliances first to give the electrical system a chance to stabilize. Wait 10 � 15 minutes before reconnecting other appliances.

�         Check your fridge and freezer to ensure they are back on. Discard any spoiled food � if in doubt, throw it out!

�         Don't forget to reset your clocks, timers and alarms.

�         Replace any items from your Emergency Supplies Kit that you used so you are prepared for future emergencies.

Returning home after a flood

Care should be taken when re-entering your home after a flood. Flood water may be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants that can pose a serious health hazard. Take the following precautions:

� Before entering a building that was flooded, check for foundation damage and make sure all porch roofs and overhangs are supported.

� Use a flashlight to inspect for damage inside your house. Do not strike a match or use an open flame.

� If your basement is full of water, drain in stages, about a third of the volume of water per day (draining too quickly can structurally damage your home).

� Using a dry piece of wood, turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box.

� Wear rubber gloves, rubber boots and protective eyewear when cleaning up.

� Do not use wet appliances and motors unless they have been serviced by a qualified electrician. Contact your local heating repair company to inspect your furnace and chimney.

� Dispose of all contaminated food.

� For instructions on how to disinfect wells and cisterns, contact Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653

� Check your newspaper or listen to your radio or television for information about help that may be available.

Cleaning up after a flood

� Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in the summer; in winter, alternate cycles of opened windows and heating.

� Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.

� Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk.

� Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

� Transport computers to a dry environment, remove cases and blow dry with low-pressure air.

� Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops.

� Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force open stuck drawers or doors.

� Freeze valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying can be performed.

� Place aluminium foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining.

� Do not operate televisions, vacuums or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. Serious injury may result.

� Do not leave wet fabrics in place. Space them apart and dry as soon as possible.

� Do not use faulty or extension cords in poor condition.

� Any materials left on your yard or property from the floodwater should be removed as soon as possible.

� Wash and wipe/scrub all affected or flooded surfaces with unscented detergent and water. Rinse and repeat process as required.

� Soiled carpeting or upholstery should be thoroughly cleaned and dried within two days or thrown away.

� Articles like insulation materials, particle board furniture, mattresses, box springs, stuffed toys and pillows that have been damaged, should be discarded.

Drinking water supply

� Wells that have been flooded should be tested for bacteria and found to be safe before water from the well is consumed.

� It is recommended that wells used for drinking water, which have been flooded, be disinfected and tested after floodwaters recede.

� For water sample bottles and instructions for disinfecting your well please contact: York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653