What Are the Hidden Dangers After a Hurricane?

Floodwater is rarely clean. It can pick up sewage, fuel, agricultural runoff, and other chemicals as it moves through streets and yards. Any item that touches this water, from flooring to furniture, may be contaminated and need careful handling or removal. You should treat all floodwater as potentially hazardous and avoid direct skin contact.

Wear rubber boots and gloves if you need to walk through a flooded area. Open windows and doors to let air move through the house, but do not turn on the HVAC system until a professional has checked it. If you feel unwell after cleanup, see a doctor. The pros can help with flood damage cleanup and water extraction to reduce health risks.

• Assume floodwater contains sewage and chemicals
• Wear protective gear during cleanup
• Discard items that absorbed floodwater
• Wash hands and skin thoroughly after contact
• Keep children and pets away from flooded areas

Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours on wet surfaces. It thrives in dark, damp spaces like behind drywall, under carpet, and inside insulation. You may not see mold until it spreads, but you can smell a musty odor. Breathing mold spores can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.

Drying your home quickly is the right way to prevent mold. Remove wet carpets, padding, and drywall that soaked up water. Use fans and dehumidifiers to lower indoor humidity. If you have significant water damage, consider structural drying and dehumidification services to speed up the process and reduce the chance of mold taking hold.

• Mold can appear within 24 to 48 hours
• Hidden mold often grows behind walls and under floors
• Musty odors signal mold growth
• Mold spores can cause breathing problems
• Act quickly to dry out wet materials

Hurricanes can damage gas lines, causing leaks that you may not smell if your sense of smell is dulled. A gas leak can lead to an explosion or fire. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound near a gas line, leave the area immediately and call the gas company from a safe distance. Do not turn on or off any lights or switches.

Also watch for downed power lines that can spark fires. Portable generators used during power outages produce carbon monoxide, so never run one indoors or near open windows. If you have any doubt about gas or electrical safety, leave the house and get help from the right professionals, such as a plumber or electrician.