After a Flood

The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.
  
  
• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  
  
• Avoid moving water.
  
  
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
  
  
• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
  
  
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
  
  
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
  
  
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
  
  
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
  
  
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.

Recovering from and coping with flood damaged property