Emergency Repairs

POWER SUPPLY

If your roof or windows have leaked, there may be water in the walls and ceiling – call on electrician and do not touch any electrical equipment wires. Report only downed lines and/or the fact that service has not been restored to your house if the rest of the neighborhood has power. Do not turn on the power until water service is restored if the water heater was drained. Appliances should be turned off or unplugged after losing power so that power systems will not be overloaded when the electricity is restored. Do not turn on any appliances until electrical parts are dry. Don’t touch any electrical appliances unless they are in a dry area or you are standing on a dry piece of wood and wearing rubber gloves and footwear.

Overhead Power Supply: call Dominion Power at 1-888-667-3000 if there is damage to the meter (they are responsible). Damaged piping, meter box and/or weatherhead (where wires enter the pipe on the roof) are the owner’s responsibility.

Underground Power Supply: If the meter box is not intact, contact an electrician.

EMERGENCY GENERATORS

DO NOT use inside the house – they emit carbon monoxide. Do not hook the generator up to the main power supply at the breaker panel or fuse box: downed power lines can be re-charged and shock people working on the lines. Add up the wattage of each appliance and make sure that it is lower than the wattage rating of the generator.

ROOF REPAIR

Look inside the attic at the trusses first to make sure they will support your weight.

For A Small Hole: cover with roofing cement or caulking.

Large Section Of Tarpaper Missing: starting at the bottom, coat with roof cement and cover with tarpaper (you might find some in the debris or you may use a piece of plastic but make sure it overlaps the peak of the house). Coat the edges with roof cement. Nail down the tarpaper every six inches with roofing nails (or nails with big heads) and tin tabs. Cover nails and tin tabs with roofing cement.

Large Holes: Using 4 x 8 sheets of plywood, nail down to the truss members. Fill in as much of the hole as possible then apply tarpaper as in above.

CHAINSAWS

Chainsaws should be used with extreme caution. Always wear protective clothing: gloves, eye goggles and hearing protection. Long pants and boots should be worn to protect the legs – most injuries occur to the legs as the saw swings down after cutting through an item. Be aware of a chainsaw’s potential for kickback, which can throw the saw back into your face or body. Striking the tip against any object can cause kickback.

Proper operation – Start cuts with the base of the chain. Pivot the blade at the base to work the blade through the wood. Never pivot on the tip of the saw. Never operate from a ladder or tree and keep all spectators at a safe distance. Begin and continue cutting at full throttle.

Maintenance: Keep chain properly lubricated. Fill the oil tank each time you re-fuel. Clean the cooling system after every other re-fueling.

SAVING FALLEN TREES

Should I Replant It: If a tree has not been pulled too far out of the ground and the root ball is still intact, try re-planting the tree and bracing it. If more than one-third of the plant is missing, it may be better to replace it. If the bark has been split and a significant portion of the green below the bark is exposed, the plant will not survive.

Procedure: Keep the roots covered with wet towels or dirt (not plastic) until it is re-planted. Re-stake plants uprooted plants (see above) and those that are leaning and trim as little as possible. Angle stakes toward the tree so they will give in heavy winds. Pad the wire to protect the bark. Mound dirt to form a trench around the tree to aid in water retention. Place three to four inches of mulch over and around the base and water daily: give it enough water to keep the area damp but not soggy (citrus trees cannot tolerate over-watering). Wait for new growth to appear before fertilizing. If the leaves droop, too many roots may have been damaged. The tree probably will not root any deeper; all root systems tend to be shallow in South Florida.

ROADS may be undermined.

WATER PUDDLES – Stay clear of all water puddles – they may be in contact with power lines.

PRICE GOUGING should be reported to the state Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Division (985-4780). Don’t hire unlicensed roofers, tree-trimmers or contractors.

ELECTRICAL REPAIRS

You may be able to repair flood-damaged electric wiring and switches yourself if you take certain precautions.

1. Disconnect the main switch and any switches which control pumps and out buildings.
2. Stand on a dry board when turning off any switch or pull the handle with a dry stick.
3. Remove all branch circuit fuses so no one can reconnect the electricity while you are working on equipment and wiring. Wear rubber gloves because electrical leakage may be present if the switch box is filled with mud or debris.
4. Clean dirt and debris from load center panels and all switch, outlet and junction boxes. And leave them open to dry out. Stand on a dry surface and use a plastic-handled scraper to clean around “hot” wires.
5. Allow the entire wiring system to dry out, uncovering all possible openings to hasten drying.
6. To clean rigid conduit wiring in farm shop or dairy buildings, cut the wires and pull them out. Blow or suck air through the conduit to dry it out.
7. When the entire system is dry, have an electrician check it for leakage and grounds.
8. After all of these precautions have been taken, it should be safe to check the wiring by following these steps:
   • First, replace the main fuses and close the main switch. If there is current leakage, the switch needs further repair or replacement.
   • If there is no evidence of leakage, insert a fuse in one of the branch circuits and close the main switch. Additional repair is necessary if the fuse blows or if there is any sign of smoking or heating.
   • After all circuits have been repaired and checked one at a time, insert all branch fuses.

RECONDITIONING AND SANITIZING FLOODED ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Do not try to use washers, refrigerators or other large electrical appliances until they are checked by a serviceman. Attempting to run equipment before it is properly cleaned could seriously damage it. Each manufacturer’s authorized dealer has detailed information for the inspection and repair of its specific equipment and should be called for repairs if possible.

Lamps and Lights

1. Be sure electricity is disconnected.
2. Remove fixtures that were submerged. Clean outlet boxes and wiring.
3. Clean fixtures and dry the wiring.
4. Clean dirt from sockets.
5. Completely disassemble and clean floor and table lamps. Clean wiring, sockets and switches.
6. If a switch cannot be opened for cleaning, replace it.
7. Replace all damaged cords and plugs.

Electrical Cords

1. Throw away any damaged or fabric-covered cords
2. Rubber-covered cords in good condition (with no cracks in the rubber) can probably be reconditioned as follows:
   • Remove connections from both ends.
   • Peel back rubber covering until inside braid is dry.
   • Cut off damaged part of cord.
   • Clean up plug and receptacle; connect to cord or replace.

SANITIZING LAUNDRY EQUIPMENT

Washers and dryers should be sanitized if they have been immersed in flood water.

After appliances have been cleaned and reconditioned, sanitize them as follows:

1. Pour a disinfectant (quaternary, chlorine, pine oil or phenolic) into the empty washing machine. Then operate a 15-minute cycle at the “hot” water setting.
2. Unplug the dryer and wipe or spray the drum with a disinfectant solution. Be sure to wipe all areas of the drum and dryer door.
3. Rinse with a cloth dipped in clear water.
4. Leave the dryer door open until all parts are thoroughly dry; preferably overnight.
5. When the drum is dry, plug in the dryer and resume normal service.

In addition to disinfecting the washer and dryer, be sure to sanitize clothes baskets, work surfaces and containers where clean, sanitary clothes will be placed.

Keep clean, sanitized clothes separate from those not yet clean and away from surfaces likely to be contaminated.

SANITIZING REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS

If water seeps into an older model refrigerator or freezer, it will probably lose its insulation and have to be discarded. Appliances with ruined insulation will either run continuously, frost up on the outside or develop bad odors.

Newer models with foam insulation will probably be all right. Have the refrigerator or freezer checked by your local serviceman to be certain the motor and freezing unit are in safe working order. Then clean and sanitize as follows:

1. Dispose of any spoiled or questionable food.
2. Remove shelves, crispers and ice trays. Wash them thoroughly with hot water and detergent.
3. Rinse with a disinfectant solution (1 teaspoon chlorine bleach for each gallon of water).
4. Wash the interior of the refrigerator, including the door and door gasket, with hot water and baking soda.
5. Rinse with a disinfectant solution.
6. Leave the door open for about 15 minutes to allow free air circulation.
7. If odor remains, place several pieces of activated charcoal in an open container, or use a commercial refrigerator deodorizer. 8
8. Wash the outside of the refrigerator with a mild detergent and hot water.

If stains are difficult to remove or soil particles remain use a mild cleanser or spray cleaner. Be careful not to damage the finish.

ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND EQUIPMENT

The whole electrical system should be checked for short circuits by an electrician or competent person, before being turned on. Ask your power supplier for advice and help with electrical systems.

Things to do before the electrician arrives:

1. Be sure electricity is shut off at both the meter and in the buildings.
2. Remove covers from all switches, convenience outlets, light outlets and junction boxes that have been under water.
3. If the box is filled with mud, remove screws holding receptacle or switch in box. Pull receptacle, switch and wires in junction boxes out about two inches from box. Clean out all mud and dirt from box and receptacle switch. Do not remove electrical connections. Leave boxes open.
4. Remove all fuses and cover from entrance panel. Clean out all mud. Wires can be moved, but Do Not Disconnect.

After above has been done and wiring has a chance to dry, the electrician can check the system without delay.

For some equipment such as pumps, a temporary line can be installed by an electrician until the permanent wiring has a chance to dry.

APPLIANCES

Here are some general rules to follow:

1. Motorized appliances: Remove the electric motor and take it to an electrical repair shop. The controls (thermostat, pressure switches, wiring, etc.) will have to be cleaned and dried. Insulation should be dried and all dirt removed. Sealed units on refrigerators and freezers should not be harmed by water. Clean up unit and recondition controls.
2. Heating appliances: Disconnect and flush with clean water. Float out water with carbon tetrachloride. (Be careful of carbon tetrachloride fumes. They are dangerous if inhaled. Do the job in open air and do not smoke ) The insulation on hot water heaters will be soaked. Remove all panels and, if possible, the top of the heater. This will give the insulation a chance to dry. Clean and dry thermostat and wiring. Apply rust inhibitor to all metal parts.
3. Lamps and Lights: Remove fixtures that were submerged. Clean outlet boxes and wiring. Clean fixture and dry out wiring. Check socket for dirt. Floor or table lamps should be completely disassembled and cleaned. Clean up wiring, sockets and switches. If a switch cannot be opened for cleaning, replace with a new switch. Unless the cord is in good shape, replace it. Check the plug.
4. Extension Cords: Any cords not in excellent condition should be thrown away. Fabric covered cords should be replaced. Rubber covered cords in good condition (no cracks in rubber, etc.) can probably be reclaimed. Remove connections from both ends. Peel back the rubber covering until inside braid is dry. Cut off damaged part of cord. Clean up the plug and receptacle and connect to cord or replace with new ones.
5. Grounding: For your protection, all metallic appliances should be grounded when in use to prevent an electrical shock. This applies especially to such appliances as washers, dryers, ranges, waffle irons, etc., and to equipment such as portable drills, saws and grinders. Attach a wire from the frame of the appliance to water pipe or to the ground wire in a grounded wiring system.

Tagged as: Disaster Preparedness, repair tips