When you have flood-damaged carpeting and rugs, your options depend on the source of flooding. If sewage-contaminated floodwater has covered your carpeting, you will need to discard it for health safety reasons. You can assume the water and…
Decide which pieces are worth restoring. Make your decision according to these factors:
extent of damage
cost of the article
sentimental value
cost of restoration
Consider each piece individually. Antiques may be worth th…
Floodwater may be contaminated, so it is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect flood-soiled clothing to kill harmful bacteria. Prompt attention may save much of your clothing that has been damaged by floodwaters. If possible, do not l…
Cleaning and Sterilizing Dishes and Cooking Utensils
Before using any dishes, pots, pans, or cooking utensils that were in contact with floodwater, wash and sterilize them.
Any piece of equipment that can be taken apart should be …
Should I be concerned about living in a moldy home?
Mold in the air is associated with health problems. For many people, these are minor and include congestion; irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; and coughing. Rashes can also develo…
Restoring electrical systems and evaluating damage to appliances are high priorities after flooding. But before any electrical system is turned on, it should be thoroughly checked for short circuits by an electrician. It is wise to ask your…
When discharging water, make sure the discharge hose delivers the water several feet away from the house to a well-drained area that slopes away from the house. If the hose outlet is too close to the house foundation or on flat ground, the …
Before entering any building after a flood, make sure it is structurally sound and safe to enter. If you are not sure, ask local officials for advice.
Drying Out the House
To begin, remove as much water as possible, using pumps, wet-d…
Tremendous amounts of rain can fall over a short period of time, resulting in flooding of low-lying areas. With this flooding comes the problem of various insects trying to find safe, dry ground. In areas of the South infested with red impo…
Structural Integrity
When first returning to a flooded home, you may face many threats to life and health. The first and most obvious issue is whether the building is structurally sound. Only a structural engineer or other building officia…
After a disaster, there remains the overwhelming job of cleaning up. One of the biggest areas of concern is the safety of food and water.
Water After a Storm
After a major storm, assume that all water sources are contaminated until prov…
When natural disasters strike, you must take care of yourself and your family first. There are serious problems to deal with before recovery begins. Illness or injury may result from contaminated water, debris-filled roadways, electrical an…
When faced with the destruction of your home following a storm, you may wonder how to start putting the pieces back together. With so much to do, it is hard to prioritize.
Care for yourself and your family first. Make sure your tetanus sho…
Following a federally qualified disaster, counties may be designated eligible for disaster assistance to households and businesses. The following information will help you understand what assistance is available, what information you need t…
Here are a few tips people need to remember as they begin restoring their lives and property.
Be patient. This applies to family members and to workers helping with storm cleanup.
Understand recovery takes time. Insurance …