Precautions After a Flood
Precautions When Returning to Your Home
Electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid
fire, electrocution, or explosions. Try to return to your home during the
daytime so that you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered
flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches. If you
smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and
leave the house immediately. Notify the gas company or the police or fire
departments or State Fire Marshal's office, and do not turn on the lights or do
anything that could cause a spark. Do not return to the house until you are
told it is safe to do so.
Your electrical system may also be damaged. If you see frayed wiring or sparks,
or if there is an odor of something burning but no visible fire, you should
immediately shut off the electrical system at the circuit breaker.
Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water. Avoid wading in
standing water, which also may contain glass or metal fragments.
You should consult your utility company about using electrical equipment,
including power generators. Be aware that it is against the law and a violation
of electrical codes to connect generators to your home's electrical circuits
without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line
when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In
addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home's electrical
circuits may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area. All
electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning
them to service. It is advisable to have a certified electrician check these
items if there is any question. Also, remember not to operate any gas-powered
equipment indoors. (Please view our additional resources on
carbon monoxide poisoning.)
For more information, please see the following articles: "
How to Protect Yourself and Others from Electrical Hazards Following Flooding" and "
Reentering Your Flooded Home."
Cleanup
Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and many other household surfaces should be
cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach
to five gallons of water. Be particularly careful to thoroughly disinfect
surfaces that may come in contact with food, such as counter tops, pantry
shelves, refrigerators, etc. Areas where small children play should also be
carefully cleaned. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water, or dry clean
them. For items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses and
upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly
with a disinfectant. Steam clean all carpeting. If there has been a backflow of
sewage into the house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup.
Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected,
such as wallcoverings, cloth, rugs, and drywall. (See also "
Cleaning Up Flood Water" and "
Protect Yourself from Mold.")
Immunizations
Outbreaks of communicable diseases after floods are unusual. However, the rates
of diseases that were present before a flood may increase because of decreased
sanitation or overcrowding among displaced persons. Increases in infectious
diseases that were not present in the community before the flood are not
usually a problem. If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with
feces, soil, or saliva, have a doctor or health department determine whether a
tetanus booster is necessary based on individual records.
Specific recommendations for vaccinations should be made on a case-by-case
basis, or as determined by local and state health departments.
Swiftly Flowing Water
If you enter swiftly flowing water, you risk drowning -- regardless of your
ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow
standing water can be dangerous for small children. Cars or other vehicles do
not provide adequate protection from flood waters. Cars can be swept away or
may break down in moving water.
Chemical Hazards
Use extreme caution when returning to your area after a flood. Be aware of
potential chemical hazards you may encounter during flood recovery. Flood
waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or
other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places.
If any propane tanks (whether 20-lb. tanks from a gas grill or household
propane tanks) are discovered, do not attempt to move them yourself. These
represent a very real danger of fire or explosion, and if any are found, police
or fire departments or your State Fire Marshal's office should be contacted
immediately.
Car batteries, even those in flood water, may still contain an electrical
charge and should be removed with extreme caution by using insulated gloves.
Avoid coming in contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car
battery.
For more information about possible dangers posed by chemical leaks and spills,
see the
CDC's Chemical
Emergencies page.
Additional Resouces