Emergency Preparedness/Disaster Services

522 - Returning to a Damaged Home After a Disaster

Following the occurrence of any major emergency situation such as an earthquake, flood or fire, there are numerous precautions one should take upon re-entering a home or other building that may have been damaged. The Santa Monica Fire Department offers these suggestions for the safety of you and your family:

• Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates.
• If your building has been tagged with a red, yellow or green tag by city officials, please abide by the stated rules regarding entry and occupation.
• Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.
• Before going inside, walk carefully around the outside of your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage. Do not enter if flood waters remain around the building.
• If you have any doubts about safety, have your home inspected by a professional before entering.
• If your home was damaged by fire, do not enter until authorities say it is safe.
• Use a battery-powered flashlight for light. Do not use oil, gas lanterns, candles or torches.
• Leaking gas or other flammable materials may be present. Do not smoke. Do not turn on the lights until you're sure they're safe to use.
• Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes in some geographical areas. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Enter the building carefully and check for damage. Check for cracks in the roof, foundation and chimneys. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors.
• Check for gas leaks, starting at the hot water heater. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Call the gas company from a neighbor's house. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on.
• Check the electrical system. If you see sparks, broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker, even if the power is off in your neighborhood. However, do not touch the fuse box, a circuit breaker or anything else electrical if you are wet or standing in water. Rather, leave the building and call for help.
• Check appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again.
• Check the water and sewage systems. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches and gasoline. Open cabinets carefully. Be aware of objects that may fall.
• Look for valuable items such as jewelry and family heirlooms and protect them.
• Try to protect your home from further damage. Open windows and doors to get air moving through. Patch holes.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. The mud left behind by floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
• Check with local authorities before using any water; it could be contaminated. Wells should be pumped out and the water tested by authorities before drinking.
• Throw out fresh food that has come into contact with flood waters. Check refrigerated food for spoilage. Throw out affected cosmetics and medicines.
• Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.

For more information on dealing with emergencies, please refer to the other messages in this category, or contact the Fire Department's Emergency Services Office at (310) 458-8686.