After the Flood: What To Do and How To Keep Employees Safe

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing With The Aftermath Of A Storm

If a storm creates flooding that infiltrates your office in Fairgrounds, CA, you could be facing the menace of black water. Such water is highly toxic. Act quickly and responsibly to protect yourself and others from its negative effects. Here is a quick guide to dealing with the aftermath of this frightening disaster.

Office Protection After Contaminated Water Flooding

Buildings can become inundated with toxic wastewater that's full of pollutants, including urine and feces. When this happens, you must:

• Document the damage with photos
• Report the damage to your insurance
• Protect equipment and documents from further damage
  
  

Physical destruction can always be repaired, especially when you have a team of qualified water damage restoration professionals to conduct a comprehensive flood cleanup. Of greater concern is keeping employees away from the harmful effects of black water.

Employee Protection After Contaminated Water Flooding

Prevent staff from reentering the office until it has been properly cleaned and allow them to work remotely. Identify the source of the flooding and take action to keep the situation from worsening, whether by boarding up windows and doors, shutting off the water supply, or tarping over your roof.

Avoid traversing through water deeper than two inches, as well as damp areas near outlets and extension cords. Never enter contaminated water without wearing rubber boots, gloves, and waders.

Gas leaks sometimes occur when floodwaters cause significant structural devastation. Listen for hissing noises, smell sulfur, and look for bubbling. These are all signs you may have a flammable leakage. Evacuate the building if these indicators are present, then call for professional assistance.

Even after your office has been cleaned, there is still the risk of carbon monoxide. This gas is particularly perilous, as it cannot be seen or smelled. Test your detectors to make certain they are working properly.

Blackwater turns your office into a dangerous environment. Before allowing staff to return, make sure that the hazards associated with contaminated water have been completely eliminated.