Dozens of homes still too dangerous for residents
Neighbours urged to watch out for others who may be mentally, physically drained
Of the more than 1,000 flood-damaged homes the City of Montreal has inspected since last Saturday, 60 are still considered too much of a health or safety risk to allow homeowners to return, city officials announced on Thursday.
A team of inspectors initially identified 85 homes as being too dangerous — giving them a special “code red” designation — but 25 have since been re-categorized after being more thoroughly examined this week, the Montreal fire department’s Louise Desrosiers said at a news conference held in Pierrefonds-Roxboro.
The city plans to inspect the remaining 60 homes — some of which still have water in their basements — for a second time within the next couple of days.
Desrosiers couldn’t say how many homes will need to be demolished because of damages. Some were given the designation because their electrical boxes were submerged and electricians are needed to better assess the houses’ electricity.
Beyond the material damages, the city is warning that people should keep an eye out for neighbours whose homes were affected by the floods.
Coupled with the fact that many homeowners are already mentally and physically exhausted from fighting off the water, now realizing the full extent of the damages as they return to their homes can take a severe toll on their mental well-being.
According to Richard Massé, the city’s public health director, a quarter of the people the city met with on Thursday showed signs of psychological distress.
In terms of health concerns, Massé said, it’s the most pressing issue at the moment.
“Post-traumatic stress can last for a long time, and it’s important people get help now if they need it,” he said. “People need to be aware that it happens and they shouldn’t feel like they’re on their own. Neighbours can help identify them and support them and we will be there to help.”
Four cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have been reported since the beginning of the floods. Massé is also expecting people to come down with gastroenteritis, which he said is common following severe floods.
The city has been inspecting homes with a five-person team: a fire inspector, a construction expert, an electrician, a police officer who specializes in social work and a public health official.
The team has been handing out flood-recovery kits that include rubber gloves and protective face masks. Officials are also advising people to wear rubber boots and protective glasses inside their basements. If homeowners find any visible mould, they should contact experts immediately.
Roughly 500 homes in Montreal have also been designated as “code yellow,” meaning the homes still pose some health risks, but people are allowed to return if they follow a set of rules. Desrosiers said many homeowners have decided against returning, especially if they have young children or pre-existing health problems, like asthma or chronic bronchitis.
Another 500 inspected homes have been declared sufficiently safe for residents to return to. Besides residential buildings, the city has also inspected 20 daycares, one school and several shops and small businesses.