A raft made of bottles!

Found this through Trinka Lat: how to make a raft using used plastic bottles. Looks like these kids were doing this on a whim, but it's an idea worth looking into...

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Newsbreak: How to clean flood-damaged homes

Newsbreak reporter Kristine Servando writes about tips to start cleaning up flooded homes that were shared by Architect Rodan Fernandez and Ding Doplayna, managing director of the maintenance service company Servicemaster. Both recently appeared on the ANC TV show, Shoptalk:

1. Before entering your home, be sure it is structurally sound.

• Make sure there are no live wires and electricity is cut off. Check for loose concrete on ceilings, plywood, or other fixtures that might collapse.

• Check with your power or water supplier first if electricity or water is safe to use in your area.

• Fernandez says structural damage from storms and floods are not as bad as when earthquakes hit. However, in severe cases, there is a danger that soil underneath a house has softened from prolonged exposure to water that can result to erosion. "If there's a slight doubt to structural integrity or a danger of collapse, call a structural engineer or architect immediately," he said.

2. Check your utilities.

• Things that usually get damaged are electrical systems, plumbing, wooden or laminated boards, or cabinets. Some doors and walls can also collapse under intense water pressure.

• Inspect electrical outlets for damage, and call an electrician to check whether they are still safe to use.

• Mudflow could clog pipes, which can be remedied by power-hosing. Repiping jobs are called for when the mud hardens. Plumbing repairs for a standard 3-bedroom house (150 square meters), would cost about P150,000, according to Fernandez. This varies according to the degree of damage.

3. Clear and clean as much as you can.

• Make sure there are no objects lying around when you pump out water.

• Take out all the water inside the house using pails or water pumps. Duplayna says prolonged water saturation can lead to many problems like carpet discoloration, warped wood, or even mosquito and pest infestations when water stagnates not only inside the home, but in surrounding areas.

• Flooded basements where generators are located are also at risk for oil spills. These can lead to foul-smelling odors that can be cleaned out by industrial chemicals.

• Clean up all the mud inside the house and do not allow mud to harden. If your floors are made of ceramic tiles, buy a bristle brush and remove water and mud.

• For houses with wooden flooring or carpets, professional help is needed, especially if these were submerged underwater.

• Sometimes, there is no water or power to facilitate cleaning or the use of electrical equipment like water pumps. Servicemaster teams can bring their own generators and fresh water supply for an added cost. The company charges around P4,000 for labor and P2,000 for equipment to clean up a 150 to 200 square meter area. They also offer landscaping, pest control, ground maintenance, and facility services.

4. Assess the damage.

• Decide what to keep, what to repair, and what to throw away.

• Take note of your budget and prioritize which rooms or furniture you want to save. Take note that you can survive without a lot of things, so it might help to stick to the essentials. Fernandez said sometimes it is cheaper to replace items than to repair them. It could also be cheaper in the long run to repair furniture en masse than if you do it piecemeal.

• If you need to seek a professional opinion on which possessions to save, be sure to get a second opinion from someone you trust.

• If something is swollen, such as laminated flooring, chances are they can't be used again. Laminated wood is common in the Philippines because of an existing log-ban. These materials are spongy and get warped when they are saturated. Concrete houses, however, can withstand a lot of water pressure.

• Air-drying furniture is excellent, says Duplayna, but professional equipment can speed up the job. Carpets and upholstery are trickier to repair, but professional services can offer drying services. Servicemaster, for example, has a heavy-duty blow-dryer that can clean out a 100-square meter floor in over 2 hours.

5. Spot check.

• Address lingering problems like foul smell from festering fungi or bacteria, which usually form on moist surfaces. Grease, oil, and mud can also add to this problem.
• Consult with a serviceman which chemicals can best be used to address these problems. Servicemaster, for example, offers a range of chemicals that address certain needs. Their exclusive line for clients include odor shields that prevent foul smells, quick-dry sprays for carpets, extraction cleaners for waterlogged carpets, and a moisture-testing device that detects whether wood or fabrics have retained moisture underneath.

6. Renovate when you need to.

• Consider constructing an attic or putting storage spaces on higher floors as pre-emptive measures.
• Renovate only after careful consideration or upon recommendation by a professional surveyor.
• Get a municipal permit for building renovations, only if the cost of renovation is more than P50,000.

Read the full article here.

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Disaster preparedness: What each can do

Got this in the mail. Sharing for everyone's reference:

Prevention


· Boil your drinking water (Upon reaching boiling point, extend boiling for two or more minutes)
· Do water disinfection by use of chlorine or iodine tablets (ask your local drug store).
· Wash hands before preparing food and after using the toilet.
· Avoid wading in floodwater. If you must, wear rubber boots.
· Clean-up all possible mosquito breeding sites, such as vases, empty coconut shells, old tires and tin cans.

What to Do In Case of Another Flood

· Stay inside a house or building during heavy rains.
· Avoid wading and taking baths in floodwaters.
· When a flood advisory is issued, residents in low lying areas should seek for higher grounds.
· Avoid crossing low-lying areas and bridges during evacuation.


Disaster/Emergencies Supplies

· Store all items in a dry plastic box container with cover to keep all these items stored (a plastic cooler would also do nicely). Keep all items store in a cool dry place. All household members should know its location.

* Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
* Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
* Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
* Avoid salty foods, as they will make you thirsty.
* Food keeper or resealable plastic
* Choose foods your family will eat.
* Ready-to-eat canned or plastic-packed meats, fruits and vegetables
* Protein or fruit bars
* Dry cereal or granola
* Peanut butter
* Dried fruit
* Nuts
* Crackers / biscuits
* Canned juices
* Non-perishable pasteurized milk
* High energy foods
* Vitamins
* Food for infants
* Comfort/stress foods - snacks
* Store at least a three-day supply of water per person.
* 5 liters of water per person per day, for drinking.
* Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
* Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
* Aspirin for pain
* Paracetamol for pain
* Anti-diarrhea medication
* Antacid (for upset stomach)
* Laxative
* Mosquito repellant
* Antihistamine for allergies (optional)
* Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
* Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.
* Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (surgical gloves)
* Sterile gause to stop bleeding.
* Micropore tape
* Cleansing agent (providone iodine)
* Isoprophyl aclcohol (70%)
* Soap
* disinfectant wipes
* Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
* Burn ointment to prevent infection.
* Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
* Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
* Thermometer
* Flash light
* Battery operated radio
* Batteries for flashlight and radio
* Cellphone fully charge batteries + fully charged etra batteries
* Extra sim (prepaid from different carriers Smart, Globe Sun, TM, PLDT, etc.)
* Emergency contact numbers (laminated with plastic)
* - this is a suggestion from PNRC personnel to keep dry, seal/protect cellphones and other important items from water damage
* - soak in baby powder to remove lubricant, remove excess powder then insert the electronic item and others, tie a knot to seal the latex container
* Pencil and notepad
* Candle and lighter
* Scissors
* Utility knife (swiss knife)
* Whistle to call for help
* VHF 2-way radio (optional)
* Bleach (Chlorox , Xonrox, etc) as disinfectant
* Life vest or floatation device (optional, if you expect flooding)
* Cleaning rags
* Garbage bags

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How to Save a Flood-Damaged Car Engine

UPDATE as of November 6, 2009:  This article was forwarded with no byline to different mailing lists in the Philippines during the height of the Typhoon Ondoy aftermath. The only reference made was that it came from someone who worked in Toyota.  The original author, Kristara, has called my attention on the non-attributed article, which has been removed from this site.

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