5 Tips for Flood First Responders

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you experience flood damage in San Diego.

If you plan to be a first responder after a flood, you should prepare yourself for the risks involved in advance. Here are five flood response guidelines intended to help you respond to a flood situation without unnecessarily risking your well-being.

1. Prepare for disaster conditions with immunizations. You may want to obtain a tetanus booster if you have not received one in the past 10 years. You may also get a combined vaccine for protection against diphtheria or pertussis. A hepatitis B vaccine series is recommended for responders who provide medical care.

2. Limit exposure to floodwaters and avoid moving water. Floodwaters can become contaminated with gas, oil, sewage, industrial runoff, and other substances. As a first responder, limit your exposure to such water as much as possible by wearing protective garments. You should also look out for moving water. A mere six inches of moving water can cause people to lose their footing, and two feet can float a car.

3. Report downed power lines. Downed power lines pose a serious safety threat. Report any fallen poles or lines you see to a power company.

4. Make sure you have access to filtered water. Filtered water is a necessity for disaster responders. If you are performing rescues, you should have extra water on hand for residents who may be suffering from dehydration.

5. Wear rubber gloves and protective gear during cleanup. Protect yourself when handling items that have come into contact with floodwater. It is a good idea to get rid of all damaged items after documenting them for insurance purposes.

A first responder to a flood situation can play an important part in promoting the safety of a community in San Diego, CA You may want to keep the phone number for a certified storm disaster remediation service on hand in case residents want to take a proactive approach to addressing water damage and preventing mold. Visit http://www.SERVPROspringvalleyjamul.com for more information on storm damage.