Happy Earth Day & Tips for Flood Victims

Thanks to the rain last week, many people are cleaning up flooded basements or simply waiting for lawns to dry out so gardens may be planted. Some may even hope to plant a tree, as Arbor Day is this Friday. 

For those facing the task of cleaning due to flooding please be safe. Protect yourself from germs, mold and chemicals in cleaning agents, by covering your skin. Wear long sleeves, pants, boots, and rubber gloves. Wash curtains, clothing, and bedding with hot soapy water. Bleach them whenever possible and
then dry and iron them. Flush rugs and furniture with clean water, and shampoo
and air-dry them. Never mix bleach with other cleaning chemicals to prevent
possible toxic reactions.

Drywall and plaster cannot be decontaminated with bleach. Drywall will absorb
water above the flood line. This material must be discarded and replaced. Wood
framing will recover but must be dry before walls are restored. This is a great
opportunity to increase insulation, making your home more energy efficient.

If water reached your electric wiring, damage will depend on how well-sealed the
wire covering is. In many homes, plastic coated wiring is used, and it is
fairly waterproof. Plastic-coated wiring will probably not need to be replaced.
Any outlet or switch, and all connections that have been under water for any
period, however, may corrode. It is cheaper and safer to replace outlets and
switches and to redo connections than to repair them. All electrical work
should only be done by a qualified electrician. Of course, if this is necessary,
take the opportunity to consider upgrades to outlets, cable systems, audio and
security systems.

Hopefully the most damage the rain caused is standing water in your yard. If this has happened, it offers a clue on a great spot for a rain garden.  Last summer yielded a low amount of rainfall.  Consider creating such a landscaping amenity
to hold normal rainfalls a few hours. While it may seem unnecessary this week,
most of the time, it is very beneficial to allow rain to slowly absorb into the
soil instead of sheeting off to the street.

May you have a wonderful Earth Day and Arbor Day.  Recycling is
always a great way to celebrate Earth Day every day! For ideas on more ways to
recycle, visit www.willcountygreen.com.