Picking up the pieces after a storm

Many homes across the island, from luxury mansions to humble shacks, have been affected in varying degrees by the recent passage of Tropical Storm Grace.

Here are some pertinent tips for those touched by the natural disaster, even days after its landfall in Jamaica.

ROOF REPAIR

Check for signs of leakage, and make sure that all is secure, even if you experienced no damage. Watch the ceiling inside in the weeks or months to come for any telltale watermarks. Then you will know if you have a problem.

YARD CLEAN-UP

Avoid power lines as you cut down affected trees and branches. Also, be careful of strewn debris.

INTERIOR CLEAN-UP

- Clean up mould and mildew with a mixture of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water.

- Thoroughly clean all wet surface areas, such as countertops, plumbing fixtures, floors, appliances, dishes etc, with hot water and laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid.

- Ignore sentimentality. Throw out what can’t be cleaned quickly, that is, mattresses, pillows, rugs, baby toys, cosmetics, etc. Reupholster furniture pieces. All these could be potentially carrying bacterial contaminants from floodwaters.

ELECTRICAL THREATS

Double-check if electrical circuits and equipment have gotten wet. Seek expert examination for safety’s sake.

AIR-OUT HOUSE

Open windows and doors. Fans will help dry out areas to help fight against mould and mildew.

WALLS, PLUMBING/SEWAGE

Check and repair if and where necessary.

PERSONAL SAFETY

- Wear protective gear, for example, goggles, rubber gloves and rubber boots.

- Wash clothes worn for clean–up exercise separately in hot water and detergent.

- Practise basic hygiene, that is, wash hands often.

- Do not lift anything more than 50 pounds by yourself.

- Rest when necessary and stay hydrated.

- Surround yourself with the support of family and friends, and even a counsellor.

DAMAGED BUILDINGS

Keep clear of any area of the house that may seem structurally unsound. Get a professional examination.

MOSQUITO PROTECTION

To avoid bites as much as possible, wear long, loose clothes in light colours. Apply repellent (with a small quantity of deet ingredient).

FOOD ITEMS

Perishable items (meats, dairy products) without refrigeration for more than two hours should not be consumed.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Check to see that the first aid kit is adequately stocked, or buy one if you are without.

Last of all, help those not as fortunate as you to have weathered the storm without incident.

- Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barry-rattray@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.