The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:
- Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink.
- Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Avoid moving water.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
- Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
- Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
- Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
- Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
- Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemical
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Brooke W. in Haleiwa, HI, says a dam opened in December, 2008, and within 40 minutes their property was flooded. Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals
Antique store on Main Street in Grand Rapids, Ohio, in March, 2009. You should stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
Kitty Graham shared this photo of a sinkhole in Wetumpka, Alabama, caused by heavy rains and flooding. Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
