Personal Safety: Entering a Damaged Building

In dealing with any disaster, your own safety should be given priority. Protective clothing and safety equipment should be considered.

Always use extreme caution when entering any damaged building:

	Cleanup and repair should involve only adults, not minors.
	High water, escaping gas, fallen electrical lines, and contamination are among the dangers that must be fully considered before and during the cleanup.
	Conduct a daylight preliminary survey of the establishment to determine possible hazards and the extent of the damage. Based on this preliminary survey, prepare for cleanup, obtain necessary equipment, arrange for debris removal and provide for your personal safety.
	Be alert for gas line leaks. Be aware of the dangers of gas leaks, and proper evacuation and ventilation procedures.
	Do not smoke or use an open flame because of the possibility of gas leaks or other flammables.
	Open as many doors and windows as possible to remove moisture, odors, and flammable or toxic gases.
	People involved in cleanup should make sure that all clothing and parts of the body that come in contact with flood waters or water damaged items are thoroughly washed immediately following the operation.

Be sure to take a supply of safe drinking water from a known municipal source or a well from outside the affected area.
 

	Confirm that the utility companies have shut off the facility's electricity and gas. Do not handle any connected electrical cords or appliances if the current is still on.
	Get assistance before attempting to disconnect equipment or open breaker boxes in flooded rooms.
	Do not attempt to restart any equipment that has been flooded without first consulting with your service professional or local utility company.
	Avoid flushing toilets or using other plumbing fixtures until you are sure your sewage disposal system is functional. Discharge from a malfunctioning sewage system can increase the physical hazard or make the facility cleanup more difficult.
	During the cleanup operation inside rooms and buildings, provide as much ventilation as possible. You may open windows, doors or vents or provide portable mechanical ventilation.
	Any clothing, carpets, upholstered furniture or paper products should be discarded unless they can be completely cleaned and disinfected.
	Discarded clothing, cleaners, paper and food items should not be accessible to scavengers or animals.
	Completely disassemble clean and sanitize equipment, lighting and lamps, utensils, storage areas, etc.
	Do not use any water system until you are certain that it is safe. Wells and the watering system may require disinfecting.
	Scrub and disinfect the ceiling, walls, and floors. When cleaning the interior structure, start at the top and work your way down.
	If possible, start heating system to speed the drying process. (May have to clean, dry and recondition heating system prior to use).