After a Flood

After a Flood

After a flood do not return to disaster areas until you are authorized to do so.  Just because the water is gone doesn't mean the danger is too.  A natural disaster can be a very stressful time. Don't forget to take care of yourself mentally and physically.

Returning Home:

• Don't drink municipal water until the local health department declares it safe.  Boil water until it is declared safe.
• Don't operate any electrical appliances until a professional electrician has inspected them.
• Throw away any food that came into contact with flood waters.
• Discard or disinfect other items that came into contact with flood waters.  Floods can carry raw sewage, dangerous chemicals and germs.
• Contact your insurance agent.  Document the damage to your home with pitures or video.
• Seek medical care if you are injured.  Floods create conditions where infections can spread easily.
• Ask for help when you need it. The local chapter of the American Red Cross and Office of Emergency Management can help.
• Stay out of buildings that are surrounded by water.  The water can trigger a collapse at any time.
• Watch out for animals that have been displaced by the flood.
• If your basement has water in it, empty it slowly (about 1/3 per day) to avoid collapse.
• Report and stay away from fallen power lines.  Dial 911 to report fallen power lines.
• Review the Environmental Protection Agency Fact Sheet Flood Cleanup - Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems.

Last Updated on Friday, 20 July 2007 02:54