Tips for Homeowners During a Flood
FLOOD Emergency Tips
Safety First
- Monitor news reports for emergency updates.
- Be a good neighbor and check on those who may need extra help, especially the elderly, people with medical conditions, or those living alone.
- Never enter moving floodwater. Floodwater can be contaminated and pose electrocution risks from downed power lines.
- Turn around, don't drown! Avoid driving through flooded roads.
- Stay clear of damaged buildings and unsafe areas until authorities give the all-clean.
- If the power goes out, report outages and turn off appliances you can reach safely.
After the Flood
- Look before you step! Use a stick to check for hidden hazards like broken glass or nails. Floodwaters can also leave floors slippery.
- Only drink boiled water until authorities confirm the water supply is safe.
- Discard any food, including canned goods, that has come into contact with floodwater. Avoid flooded gardens for food consumption.
- Charge your phone and find ways to stay connected if possible. Have one point contact who posts your progress and needs on Facebook or the social media that you have friends. Ask for things you need that are specific.
Inspecting and Cleaning Up
- Safety first! Never touch electrical equipment while wet. Let it dry completely and have a licensed electrician inspect it before use.
- Move salvageable belongings upstairs or to higher ground.
- Document everything! Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes.
- Contact your insurance company.
- Avoid entering moving floodwater. It may be contaminated.
Cleaning and Sanitation
- Wear protective gear: gloves, goggles, a mask, and rubber boots when cleaning.
- Wash and disinfect anything that got wet.
- Clean flooded floors and walls with a bleach solution (¼ cup bleach per gallon of water).
- For mold removal, use a vinegar solution (spray with 100% vinegar, let dry) followed by a baking soda paste on porous surfaces. Wear a mask and gloves for this process.
- Professionally clean carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture that got wet. Consider discarding damaged items.
- Remove and replace drywall or paneling that was underwater. Ensure proper drying of wooden studs before replacing. The mess can wait. Stack the wet material also curbside.
Remember
- Floodwater may contain sewage – well water should be tested for contamination before use.
- Repair damaged septic tanks to prevent health hazards.
- Consider professional cleaning and repairs, but be prepared that local services may be overwhelmed.
Additional Tips
- Check on neighbors. Elderly or people who live alone are at greater risk.
- Flood insurance is separate from general hazard insurance.
- Keep important documents in a safe place for easy access during emergencies.
- Supplies you will want: 2 gallons of bleach, 2 gallons of white vinegar, two giant bags of baking soda, paper towels, rubber boots, cases of bottled drinking water, dry not perishable foods that don't need cooking, flashlights, hand soap, dawn dish soap, card tables or plastic tables to place items above the water line to dry, box fans, generator, wheelbarrow to haul items to the curb or use your rolling trash bins if you have them, 95 masks, clothing line or rope to dry things in the sun, plastic bins and clean wrapping paper to place items you cleaned in, drying wrack of some type.
- Your local hardware may be closed, seek ones at higher ground or farther away.
By following these tips, homeowners can stay safe and begin the recovery process after a flood.
