Buildings that are inundated for a long period of time or those in the direct path of moving flood waters have the potential for structural damage. Foundations and walls may buckle or shift, compromising the structural integrity and safety of the building. Mold and mildew can be a serious problem following a flood event if the clean up and drying process are not done promptly and thoroughly. A property may be fortunate not to have direct damage from a flood but still suffer damage. Damage can occur as a result of some other failure that occurred as a result of the flood.
Typical failures are power outages, sewer system and sump system failures.
Power outages can occur because the utility system is either damaged by the flood or the utility company has had to shut down service due to safety concerns. Without power refrigerators, freezers and electrical heating systems stop working. Food spoilage and freezing are potential problems. From 1997 Flood Related Sources of Information Back to home page Sewer system failure occurs when a city sewer system fails either due to lift stations not working as a result of the power outage or when the system is overwhelmed by the flood water causing it to back up. Sewer contamination can be extensive in lower levels of a building.