Cleaning up After a Flood: Setting Priorities

Priorities will vary with the kind and seriousness of damage. Buildings may not be habitable during repair.

Examine building structure. Check foundations for settling, cracking or undermining. Examine walls, floors, doors and windows to determine what repairs are necessary. You may want to repair only temporarily until extensive work can be done.

If basement is flooded, start pumping the water in stages. Pump about one-third of the water each day.

Get the electrical system in operation. If the switch box is in a flooded basement, do not turn electricity back on until water has been pumped out. Take electrical appliances to a serviceman as soon as possible.

Get the water system in operation. Disinfect wells and water system.

Shovel out mud and silt before it dries.

Before they dry, wash down flooded walls and floors with a hose. Start at upper limit of flooding and work downward. Scrub and disinfect walls and floors.

Start the heating system if possible to speed up drying. Before operating it, the heating system may need to be cleaned, dried and reconditioned. Make sure chimneys are clean before starting system.

Dry out walls and floors. If necessary for proper drying, strip walls open up to water level. Drill holes in exterior siding. Complete drying may take months. Repair buckled walls and floors.

Clean and dry household items, furniture, carpets, clothing, dishes and bedding. Disinfect when necessary. Treat items for mildew as needed.

Care for damaged trees, shrubs and lawn.

Repaint, repair, refinish as necessary.