Damp course

Last summer, some parts of the UK suffered the worst summer flooding in living memory.  The impact of that disaster is still with us, says Menasche Scharf



 The media flooded us with news flashes, about homes being deluged and their inhabitants suffering from the chaos and destruction that an extensive period of rain caused. What was not so obvious from the media reports were the dangers that residents faced when they returned to their properties after the micro-Mabul - dangers that could quite easily result in serious injuries or even death. 

How to proceed

You may recall our article in July about dealing with the flooding – we will now concentrate on the finer details.  When returning to the affected property, ensure the guidelines below are taken into account, in doing so you will be safe in the knowledge that the right precautions have been taken.

 

Structural Damage

There might be structural defects that were caused by the strong currents or prolonged immersion in water.  Examples of this could be: rotten staircases, rusty pipes, and mouldy floorboards..  Indeed, you should also be wary of possible ‘squatters’ who decide to make your home theirs: rats, mice and other creatures will find a home devoid of its inhabitants but well-stocked with food staples a virtual Garden of Eden and will not happily vacate their new found territory.

Be careful with electricity

Water and electricity do not mix. If the mains electricity was not switched off prior to the flood, there could be live electricity hazards to contend with when returning to the property. 

Any room in the property where floodwater is still submerging electrical sockets should be avoided - the floodwater may be energised by the electrical current. Only enter the flooded room when it is safe to do so - i.e. when the power is cut or when the water has completely subsided.

Even if the mains electricity was turned off, be aware that electrical wiring and appliances could have been damaged by the floodwater. Therefore, before switching back on the supply, you should arrange to have wiring inspected and appliances tested. 

Similarly, the gas appliances – once filled with water – could well become defective or even dangerous.  You would act prudently by calling in a gas engineer to check it out before switching them on.

Sewage and contamination

Floodwater is never clean. If your local authority pumps waste water from sewers through the same storm drain system as run-off rainwater from the street, floodwater entering your property will most likely be contaminated with raw sewage. Pesticide and chemical contaminants may also be present. If they are your local water authority and the Environment Agency will alert your community to this issue. Should the source of flooding be a river or other watercourse, there is a high probability that the water will contain waterborne diseases as well, such as Weil's Disease. 

To avoid infection and health issues arising from sewage and other floodwater contaminants, appropriate clothing should be worn. Rubber gloves are recommended when handling infected items, and if wading through floodwater, goggles should be used to protect the eyes from water splashes.

Notes for landlords

It is your responsibility to ensure that your rental property is assessed as safe for tenants to re-enter after a flood. You should therefore liaise with the local authorities and the emergency services for advice on when it is safe to return to the property. You should also arrange for clear-up and drying operations in the property and for the inspection of electrical and gas installations so they are passed as safe to use again.

The use of dehumidifiers – an appliance that reduces the level of humidity in the air – could speed up the drying process, in addition to preventing various health risks, as humid air can cause mould and mildew to grow inside homes.

In rental properties, you – the landlord- are responsible for these inspections after a flood. Employ the services of a qualified person for this task. Appliance testing comes under the remit of the landlord too where appliances in the property were supplied by you for the tenant's use. If the appliances are supplied / owned by the tenant then it is down to the tenant to arrange for those appliances that were affected by the floodwater to be tested.

Repairs may need to be carried out to flood-damaged areas. For example, carpets may need replacing, walls may need replastering and redecorating. Depending upon the terms of your agreement with the tenant, you may need to find the tenant alternative temporary accommodation during the clean-up and repair process. 

Remember, floodwaters are dangerous. Only re-enter your property when the local authority and emergency services recommend that it is safe to do so.