Work is currently underway in settlements in the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions to clean up the aftermath of russia’s explosion at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station. In some areas, residents are already returning to their homes.
However, if you are returning to a house that has been flooded, you should follow these tips:
- Before entering the property, assess its external integrity. In particular, for load-bearing structures and walls. Make sure that the walls are not deformed by water and are safe. Watch out for holes in the floor, and broken glass, when moving around the room.
- Pay as much attention as you can to the surrounding room. Do not touch electrical panels, switches, or sockets unless they have been thoroughly dried, cleaned, and inspected by a qualified person. They may cause electric shock or fire if they are turned on. The same applies to electrical appliances left in the flooded house.
Don’t endanger your loved ones: you should only return your children to clean, well-dried, and safe shelters.
Remember, only with the permission of the local authorities and emergency services can you return to homes that were in the flood zone.