Flood Cleanup

Storms and floods can bring extraordinary changes and challenges to your community. When the waters recede, it is time to get rid of any standing water and clean your home. It will be a time of stress for everyone, and the difficulties you encounter can all too easily be compounded by contaminated food and water as well as health issues associated with animals and insects.

Here are some tips that will help you be safe in your home after a flood:

 

01
Throw away any of your things that have been in the flood water. Flood water contains germs and chemicals that can make you sick.
02
ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP AND WATER AFTER YOU TOUCH FLOOD WATER OR ANYTHING THAT HAS BEEN IN FLOOD WATER. Be especially careful if you have cuts or scrapes because flood water can cause open sores to become infected.
03
Some people may use a generator to make electricity. If you're using a generator, please remember to keep it outside at least 25 feet away from the house and away from doors or windows.
04
If your house has a gas grill, stove, water heater, or furnace, a storm or flood may break gas lines and cause the gas to escape into your home. Even if the appliances are not working, they can leak a dangerous gas called methane that catches fire very easily. You may smell a bad odor or hear a hissing noise. Do not strike a match, use a lighter, or try to turn on the stove if you smell or hear leaking gas.
05
Gas grills, generators, stoves, or water heaters may work after a flood, but can still leak a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide that you cannot see or smell, but that can make you feel sick.