Apprehension is always high about about what we will find when we return home. As we have learned, heeding warnings and advice can protect our family and property. It is for these reasons that we wanted to follow up with a Post Hurricane checklist for your use prior to and upon re-entry.

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Hurricane Reentry Tips

• Be aware of combustive or explosive gases – open all windows when entering. If you smell gas, don’t smoke, light matches, operate electrical devices, use cell or other phone equipment, or any other source that may cause combustion.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning – CO is odorless and colorless. Do not use any fuel burning equipment inside, including generators, camp stoves, gas or charcoal grills etc.
• Avoid problems with mold, bacteria and insects – Remove standing water and wet belongings as soon as possible, and/or dry within 48 hours. Dry out the structure completely as soon as possible.
• Properly dispose of contaminated goods.
• Be careful in the use of cleaners, chemicals, and pesticides.
• Provide fresh air to the home. Use fans if electrically safe.
• Do not use the electrical system if home has experienced water penetration. Turn the power system on only after careful inspection.
• Avoid personal “overheating”.
• Consider safety of remaining food, particularly refrigerated and frozen foods.
• Drinking water safety – follow public service and utility announcements.
• Avoid all power lines.
• Make temporary repairs to “wet proof” home.
• Observe safe use of chain saws and other tools.
• If damage has occurred, have professional inspection of property or affected areas.
• All damage should be documented and recorded with a camera before you touch anything.
• If you have taken in water and are removing wet furnishing to dry the home, photograph it after you remove the personal property and before you remove wallboard or carpet. If you are going to do repairs on your own, please consider the following points. If you do not do this properly, you MIGHT create potential for mold:
  • Remove all wet flooring.
  • Remove all cabinets and wallboard to a point two to three feet above "water line".
  • Remove all insulation to this same point. Drying the studs and inner walls takes time. Depending on humidity, it can take weeks.
  • Depending on the contamination level of the water and the time that the water was in your home, you may consider use of a water and chlorine bleach solution to scrum all exposed studs and flooring. Allow that solution to dry. Repeat.
  • Once all studs have been cleaned and returned to a moisture content of no more than 19%, you are ready to re-insulate, re-sheetrock and begin repairs.

Visit these websites for other important sources of information:
www.epa.gov/katrina/sep14returnhomeadvisory.htm
www.redcross.org
www.fema.org