Inspecting your Property
So many of our customers have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy which hit New Jersey October 29. The results are devastating and we have gathered some helpful tips to help you begin to rebuild. If you have been evacuated or displaced, these pointers will ensure the safety of you and your family.
-Use extreme caution. Approach your home with a critical eye.
-Be wary of fallen power lines on or near your property. Alert the power company and local authorities of the electrical hazard. Even if others already have, it is better to be safe than sorry.
-Buildings and homes that look undamaged may suffer from hidden dangers of flood damage. Do NOT work in or around any building until it has been examined and certified safe by professional engineers or architects. Leave the area immediately if you sense the building shifting or hear unusual noises that may signal a possible collapse.
-Do you smell gas? Floodwaters may have shifted supply lines or broken seals. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main valve if possible, open the windows and leave the building immediately. Alert the gas company, as well as local police and fire departments.
-Do NOT turn on any lights, smoke, light matches or do anything that could cause a spark. Do NOT return to your house until you are told it is safe to do so.
-Avoid the shock of your life. If you see inside your home frayed wiring, sparks from wires or smell something burning but see no evidence of fire, you may have electrical damage. If possible, shut off the electric system at your home’s main circuit breaker or fuse box.
-Use portable, gas-powered electric generators outside on a dry and level surface. Never hook up a generator to your home’s wiring. Never use a generator indoors where odorless carbon monoxide can accumulate and kill you.
-Electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before use. Have a certified electrician check appliances if you are unsure of their safety condition.