Cleaning Up After a Flood or Storm
Many injuries and deaths happen after the storm passes: electrocution, carbon monoxide, chainsaw injuries, falls from roofs and ladders, and illness from floodwater and mold.
- Homeowners
- Workers
Photo: homeowner in boots, gloves and N95 removing wet drywall after a flood
Before going back in
- Wait until officials say it’s safe to return
- Look for structural damage, sagging roofs and leaning walls
- If you smell gas, leave and call the utility
- Don’t turn on power if the electrical system got wet. Have an electrician inspect it first.
- Stay away from downed power lines
Protect yourself
- Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves, safety glasses and long sleeves. Floodwater carries sewage and chemicals.
- Wear an N95 respirator when removing moldy materials.
- Wash hands often with clean water and soap. Keep cuts clean and covered; get a tetanus shot if needed.
- Use generators outdoors only. See Power Outages & Generators.
- Take breaks, drink water, and watch for heat illness.
Mold
- Dry everything within 24 to 48 hours if possible to prevent mold growth.
- Throw out porous items that stayed wet: drywall, insulation, carpet, mattresses.
- For large areas (more than about 10 square feet), consider a professional.
- When in doubt, throw it out, including food that touched floodwater.
Trees and chainsaws
Storm-damaged trees are under tension and can spring back or fall unpredictably. Don’t cut trees tangled with power lines. Leave large, hung-up or leaning trees to professionals. See Chainsaws.
Standards & references
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