Picking up the pieces after a natural disaster

After any major disaster, be it a flood, a tornado or an earthquake, etc., Your family's safety is most important when putting your lives back together. Here are tips for dealing with a natural disaster. 

• First of all, stay out of disaster areas; not only are they dangerous but your presence might hamper rescue efforts.
• Use your phone for emergencies only; you don't want to tie up lines that might be needed for rescue efforts.
• Don't drive if it's not absolutely necessary.
• If you do drive, be alert to downed power lines, damaged roads and mudslides.
• Above all, stay out of damaged homes and buildings until professionals have deemed them safe.
• Do not enter any building that is surrounded by water. Floodwaters often undermine foundations, causing sinking and cracks and breaks in floors. These structures can collapse, leaving you trapped inside.

• Open your windows. You want to get the inside of your house dry before mildew or toxic moulds set in. If a window sticks, use a pry bar to open it.
• Unplug appliances, clean and dry them, and spray electrical components and other working parts with contact cleaner (available at hardware and electronics stores).
• Unplug appliances, clean and dry them, and spray electrical components and other working parts with contact cleaner (available at hardware and electronics stores).
• Check drains and have them cleared if they're stopped up. Check the valves in the sewer traps.
• Shovel and hose out mud and silt, then scrub and disinfect the floors and woodwork.
• Let walls, floors and insulation dry thoroughly before covering or repainting them.
• If a wall is waterlogged, replace the wallboard and insulation to above the waterline.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits and leaching systems as soon as possible to prevent health hazards.

• When you finally reenter your damaged home, take great care (even if it's been deemed safe).
• Wear sturdy shoes to avoid cutting your feet.
• Carefully watch every step you take, and use a flashlight or a battery-powered lantern to light your way.
• Never use candles. Even lighting a match can be dangerous if there is a gas leak.
• As you move through the house, take photos of all damage and check for the following: If you smell gas, turn off the gas line and get outside at once.
• Keep a lookout for unstable floors, walls, staircases and windows. If you find any, get out of the house until they're fixed.
• Check for electrical system damage, such as ruptured wires. If the power is still on and you find electrical damage, turn off the power immediately and call for help.
• Check for sagging ceilings or loose plaster or drywall. Have a contractor repair the damage before you return to the house. Check the house foundation for cracks. I
• f there's a water leak in your house, turn off the water supply. Also check for damaged water lines. If you find any, call a plumber and avoid using water from the tap.
• Check for damaged sewage lines. If you suspect damage, don't use the toilets. Call a plumber.
• Clear away spilled medical supplies, toxic cleaning materials and all flammable materials.
• Watch for animals and snakes that may be hiding in the house. Use a stick to poke through debris.