Standing Water Precautions

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Standing water due to recent storms in Bolingbrook, IL.

When flood water intrudes into your home or commercial business it can cause what is called "standing water". This can be very dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. These are some important precautionary measures to take into consideration when dealing with standing water that  SERVPRO of Evanston took some time to compile.

Don’t drive through standing water -- turn around, don’t drown. 

• Always follow warnings signs about flooded roads and take detours to avoid driving through standing water 

Floodwaters may contain many things that are harmful to your health. Be cautious of this. 

• Downed power lines 
• Human and livestock waste 
• Household, medical, and industrial hazardous waste (chemical, biological, radiological, etc.) 
• Lumbar, vehicles, debris 
• Wild or stray animals (rodents or snakes) 

Protect infection of open wounds or rashes.

• Avoid exposure to flood water if you have an open wound
• Cover clean open wounds with a waterproof bandage 
• Wash wound with thoroughly with soap and water 
• Seek medical attention if signs of infection develop (swelling, redness, discharge) 

Avoid electrical hazards inside or outside your home. 

• Shut off electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks in your home to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions
• NEVER touch a fallen power line. Call the power company to report fallen power lines
• Avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities
• Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water
• If you believe someone has been electrocuted, call 911

In the event of standing water or flood water in your home or business, SERVPRO of Evanston is happy to help make it "Like it never even happened."