The dangers of salvaging flooded homes
Flood victims in Southern B.C. are desperately trying to put their lives back together as more heavy rain threatens the area on Thursday. However, taking matters into your own hands to limit water damage and reduce repair costs is hazardous.
"There's a grave potential for catastrophic electric shock," said Jim Mandeville, senior project manager for First Onsite Property Restoration.
Entering flooded homes without precautions can be deadly. If the water connects with electrical outlets, things could go terribly wrong. You can't just rely on circuit breakers to trip.
"You trust that it works but you don't know and that's not something I'd be willing to trust my life with," explained Mandeville.
First Onsite Property Restoration says it has received in excess of 500 requests from B.C. flooded property owners to remediate and salvage their homes. Fortunately, most of those people have some kind of insurance.
However, resources are strained and not everyone can wait or afford to bring in the experts.
Erik Timmermans and his family needed to rescue the family cat. On Saturday, long-time friend Menno Koehoorn took them by boat to their flooded property on the eastern edge of Sumas Prairie.
When they arrived, the water was about 20 centimetres deep on the main floor and they were surprised to see the power was still on.
"That's the wrong time to ask that question," said Mandeville.
Koehoorn and Erik immediately turned off the main breaker. Fortunately, the water hadn't reached the electrical outlets.
After Joey was rescued the family went about salvaging precious items like passports, photo albums and other things of value.
"If you're going to take on something like this yourself or with volunteers, it's really critical that you properly protect yourself and anyone else who may be helping you," explained Mandeville.
Before going inside, inspect the outside of the property looking for major structural damage, like leaning porch steps, collapsing walls and compromised support systems. In addition, make sure the power and gas are turned off. Also, be cautious walking in floodwater.
"Oh what am I stepping on?" asked Timmerman's daughter Nancy, while wading through a flooded hallway.
"There's a lot of nails and pointy things in that water and in that muck that will cut you," said Mandeville.
Make sure you wear protective footwear, like steel toe rubber boats. In addition, protect your skin and your eyes from floodwater. It's nasty stuff, mixed with sewage, dead animals and other contaminants.
"You don't want to get it on your skin and you most certainly don't want to get it in your eyes or in your mouth. It could cause major long-term health issues," added Mandeville.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
NEW From window blinds to motorcycle helmets, here are the recalls in Canada this week
Here are the various items Health Canada recalled this week, including motorcycle helmets, power adapters, and bicycle cranksets.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Stabbed Sydney Assyrian church bishop says he forgives attacker
An Assyrian church bishop who was stabbed during a service at his church said on Thursday he was recovering quickly, and that he had forgiven his attacker as police ramped up investigation into the riots triggered after the bishop's stabbing.