Returning Home After a Flood or Hurricane
Preparing to return home after evacuating will keep you
safer while inspecting and cleaning up the damage to your home. Before
traveling, ensure local officials have declared that its safe to enter
your community and that you have the supplies you will need. Follow the
suggestions below for returning to, inspecting and cleaning your home.
- Government issued photo ID and proof of address
- Important phone numbers
- Bottled water and nonperishable foods
- First aid kit
- Cleanser/hand cleaning gel for personal use
- Hygiene products and toilet paper
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Longsleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy waterproof boots and work gloves
- Flashlight, portable radio and extra batteries
- Cameras for photos of damage for insurance claims
Before returning
- Find out if it is safe to enter your community or neighborhood. Follow the advice of your local authorities.
- Carry plenty of cash. ATMs may not work and stores may not be able to accept credit or debit cards.
- Bring supplies such as flashlights, batteries, bottled water and nonperishable foods in case utilities are out.
- Create backup communication plans with family and friends in case you are unable to call from affected areas.
- Plan for delays when traveling. Bring extra food, water,
pillows, blankets and other items that will make the trip more
comfortable. Keep the fuel tank of your vehicle as full as possible in
case gas stations are crowded, out of fuel or closed.
- Carry a map to help you route around heavy traffic or impassable roads.
- Find out if local medical facilities are open and if emergency
services are functioning again. Do NOT call 911 or the local emergency
number to do this.
- Understand that recovery takes time. Focus on the positive and have patience. Others will have similar frustrations.
First inspection
- If possible, leave children and pets with a relative or friend. If not, keep them away from hazards and floodwater.
- Beware of snakes, insects and other animals that may be in or around your home.
- Before entering your home, look outside for damaged power lines,
gas lines, foundation cracks and other exterior damage. It may be too
dangerous to enter the home.
- If you smell natural gas or propane, or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and contact the fire department.
- If your home was flooded, assume it is contaminated with mold.
Mold increases health risks for those with asthma, allergies or other
breathing conditions.
- Open doors and windows. If the house was closed more than 48
hours, let it air it out before staying inside for any length of time.
- Turn the main electrical power and water systems off until you
or a professional can ensure that they are safe. NEVER turn the power on
or off, or use an electrical tool or appliance while standing in water.
- Check the ceiling and floor for signs of sagging. Water may be trapped in the ceiling or floors may be unsafe to walk on.
Using Generators Safely
- When using a portable generator, connect the equipment you want
to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a
portable generator to a home's electrical system.
- If you are considering getting a generator, get advice from a
professional, such as an electrician. Make sure that the generator you
purchase is rated for the power that you think you will need.
- Wear protective clothing, including rubber gloves and rubber boots.
Cleaning your home
- Be careful when moving furnishings or debris, because they may be waterlogged and heavier.
- Throw out all food, beverages and medicine exposed to flood
waters and mud, including canned goods and containers with food or
liquid that have been sealed shut. When in doubt, throw it out.
- Some cleaning solutions can cause toxic fumes and other hazards
if mixed together. If you smell a strong odor or your eyes water from
the fumes or mixed chemicals, open a window and get out of your home.
- Throw out items that absorb water and cannot be cleaned or
disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, cosmetics, stuffed animals and baby
toys).
- Remove all drywall and insulation that has been in contact with flood waters.
- Clean hard surfaces (flooring, countertops and appliances) thoroughly with hot water and soap or a detergent.
- Return to as many personal and family routines as possible.
Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills
- Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline,
propane, natural gas or charcoalburning devices inside a home, garage,
basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate unit away
from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come
indoors.
- The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for
electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric
shock and fire.
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