After a Flood: The First Steps
Your home has been flooded. Although floodwaters may be down in some areas,
many dangers still exist. Here are things to remember in the days ahead.
- Roads my be closed because they have been damaged or are covered by water.
Barricades have been placed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade
or a flooded road, go another way.
- Keep listening to the radio for news about what to do, where to go, or
places to avoid.
- Emergency workers will be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help
them by staying off the roads and out of the way.
- If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded -
- Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off
your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or
downed power lines.
- Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode
roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals or broken bottles, and it's
also very slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
- Play it save. Additional flooding or flash floods can occur. Listen for local
warnings and information. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, get out
immediately and climb to higher ground.
Staying Healthy
- A flood can cause emotional and physical stress. You need to look after
yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.
- Rest often and eat well.
- Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.
- Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contact the Red Cross
for information on emotional support available in your area.
Cleaning Up and Repairing Your Home
- Turn off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the
power is off in your community. That way, you can decide when your
home is dry enough to turn it back on.
- Get a copy of the book Repairing Your Flooded Home. It will tell you:
- How to enter your home safely.
- How to protect your home and belongings from further damage.
- How to record damage to support insurance claims and requests for assistance.
- How to check for gas or water leaks and how to have service restored.
- How to clean up appliances, furniture, floors, and other belongings.
Repairing Your Flooded Home is available free from the American Red Cross
or your state or local emergency manager.
Getting Help
- The American Red Cross can help you by providing you with a voucher to purchase
new clothing, groceries, essential medications, bedding, essential furnishings,
and other items to meet emergency needs. Listen to local radio stations to find out
where to go for this assistance, or look up American Red Cross in the phone book
and call.
- The Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and
cleaning supplies.
- Contact your insurance agent to discuss claims.
- Listen to your radio for information on assistance that may be provided by the
state or federal government and other organizations.
- If you hire cleanup or repair contractors, be sure they are qualified to do
the job. Be wary of people who drive through neighborhoods offering help in cleaning
up or repairing your home. Check references.
Back to Regional Weather Information Center Flood Page.
This page maintained by RWIC Webmaster.