by Nick Gromicko, CMI®
Inspectors should be prepared to protect themselves and their clients from the unique challenges posed by flood-damaged buildings.
Hazards in and around flood-damaged buildings include the risks of:
![Good boots can protect against sharp debris in flood-damaged buildings Good boots can protect against sharp debris in flood-damaged buildings](https://d12m281ylf13f0.cloudfront.net/images10/Flooded-house.jpg)
- growth of large mold colonies;
- septic system collapse;
- trip-and-fall injuries;
- structural collapse;
- fire and explosions;
- toxic sludge and materials containing waterborne bacteria; and
- electrical shock hazards.