Princeton's Ask the Doctor May/June 2019

Home SAFETY: Flooding QUESTION: What can a homeowner do when faced with flooding from rain, other high-water events, or severe weather creating widespread damage? ANSWER: Below is a list of suggested practices to help you stay safe on your property when extreme weather events occur.

FOR FLOOD SAFETY: Don’t step into floodwater. Before going into a flooded basement or lower level, seek a first responder fire department or local utility company representative to disconnect the electric and or gas service to your property. If floodwater remains, seeking the assistance of a professional first, drain the area using a gas-powered water pump located outside your home or an electric pump connected outside your home.

H E A L T H Y H O M E

Be sure to use your nose. If you smell natural gas, leave the property immediately and do not operate anything electrical or gas. Avoid any electric spark or open flame, as a build of gas fumes can be very explosive and deadly when in contact with an ignition source. If flooding occurs in your area, move to higher ground, and be sure to listen regularly to the source of your choice for accurate weather information. Avoid areas where water can be seen as fast moving or in the case of roadways that are covered with water, do not drive through the flooded areas. The roadway could be washed out. Power Line Safety: Never touch or get near overhead power lines. Avoid setting a metal ladder anywhere close to an overhead power line, as they have been known to “arc” several feet to something metal. IF POWER LINES ARE DOWN: • Call your local electrical provider or 911 to alert officials to the down power line. • Don’t touch or get close to a down power line, if you see someone who is touching a down power line, do not touch that person, seek help. • If you come upon a car that has hit a power pole, stay away the pole could still be supporting live power lines. • If you happen to be in a car with power lines on your car, stay there till help arrives. Weather damage can occur at any time and the clean-up can be costly and time consuming. If you suspect that the foundation, or structure of your home has changed or you now experience water in areas of your lower level that you didn’t have before, you have need of a structural repair or waterproofing contractor. Other conditions that can be triggered by severe weather conditions are mold, Radon, increase of bugs and pests, blocked drains, shifting soil, weakened structural and retaining walls, and much more.

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ASK THE DOCTOR

MAY/JUNE 2019