As flood-hit families across Accra begin returning to homes that were partially or completely submerged, Facility Pro General Manager Charity Oforiwaa Bekoe joined Sunny 88.7 FM's Morning Drive to walk listeners through exactly what to check before stepping back through the door — and what to do in the days after if repairs aren't immediately affordable.
Speaking with host Jennifer Jessica Danquah (JJD), Bekoe's advice was aimed squarely at families like one Sunny FM listener's — a household of five who have been sleeping at a guest house and returning to their flooded home each morning to salvage belongings and put things back in order.
Don't Rush In: Check the Building First
Bekoe's first piece of advice is the one people are most tempted to skip.
"Once you enter your house and the room is flooded, we will advise you don't rush in," she said. "You need to take a good look at your building from outside. Is there any cracks on the walls? Are there any signs of the building being shifted? You stay out and call in a professional before."
Electrical Safety: The Silent Killer After a Flood
The single most dangerous mistake, according to Bekoe, is going near electricity before it's confirmed safe.
"You have to make sure your electricity has been switched off, even before you enter — because we've heard news of people being electrocuted," she warned, recounting a case of a young man who died while trying to pump water out of a flooded room using an electric pump. "So we need to make sure our electricity switch has been switched off. It is safe to do so. We also advise that you don't walk into standing water where there may be live electrical connections."
Once outside checks are done, she recommends a short safety routine before anyone goes further in:
- Inspect the building's exterior for cracks or signs of shifting structure
- Confirm the electricity supply is switched off
- Avoid walking through standing water — it may carry live electrical current
- Wear protective boots and gloves, since floodwater is often contaminated
- Open doors and windows once inside to let fresh air circulate
- Leave electrical appliances unused until they've been professionally checked
Can't Afford Repairs Yet? Here's What to Prioritise
For families who can't immediately pay for full repairs, Bekoe laid out the standard flood-restoration process Facility Pro follows — useful as a rough checklist even for households doing the work themselves:
- Water extraction — pump out all stagnant water from the room
- Thorough cleaning — remove mud and debris left behind by floodwater
- Disinfection — sanitise surfaces, since stagnant water carries disease
- Drying and moisture control — dry out furniture, documents and clothing
- Fumigation — treat the space for pests before anyone moves back in
- Electrical inspection — have ECG or a qualified electrician check wiring before power is restored
"This is where some people just ignore," Bekoe said of fumigation. "But because of the diseases, you need to fumigate even before you move in."
Watch Out for Pests and Reptiles
Asked specifically about the risk of pests and reptiles finding their way into flooded homes, Bekoe confirmed it's a real concern.
"Flood water often attracts mosquitoes, rodents, cockroaches, termites, and other pests," she said. "I've heard stories of this flood carrying things into people's homes. So yes, there might definitely be a need for fumigation and pest control in your home even before you move back in — to help restore a healthy environment for the family."
How to Flood-Proof Your Home Before the Next Storm
Bekoe closed with preventive advice for the weeks ahead, as Ghana's rainy season continues.
"There's this saying that protection is always better than repair," she said. Her recommendations:
- Clear gutters, drains and waterways so water can flow freely — "I think that's the major challenge we are facing as a country: all our drains, all our gutters are choked"
- Inspect roofing sheets and repair any leaks
- Check windows and general building irrigation
- Maintain a clear drainage system around the property, free of debris
- Elevate electrical appliances and important documents — to a higher floor if possible
- Tighten billboards and overhanging signage so storms don't turn them into hazards
- Save Ghana's national emergency line, 112, in your phone
"Thank you so much, Charity, for these tips and the caution we need to take when getting back into homes that were partially or completely submerged," JJD said, closing out the segment. "We're sure we'll be catching up with you again."
Charity Oforiwaa Bekoe is the General Manager of Facility Pro.
Related coverage:
- Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding Across Accra, Disrupting Traffic and Daily Activities
- Floods Could Trigger Cholera and Typhoid Outbreaks – Dr. Joyce Emefa Warns Ghanaians
- Flood Trauma in Ghana: Mental Health Effects Can Linger Long After the Water Recedes
- Flood Victims With Comprehensive Insurance Can File Claims – Insurance Expert Advises Ghanaians