Dealing with the Aftermath - Steps To Take For a Storm Damaged Home

    Flood Water After a Disaster or Emergency

    When returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, be aware that flood water may contain sewage. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps:

    Inside the Home

    • Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
    • Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
    • Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
    • Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
    • Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
    • Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
    • After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
    • Or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (solution of ⅛ teaspoon [~0.75 milliliters] of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use a solution of ¼ teaspoon (~1.5 milliliters) of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
    • Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
    • Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.
    • Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

    See also Reentering Your Flooded Home, Mold After a Disaster, and Cleaning and Sanitizing With Bleach after an Emergency.

    Outside the Home

    • Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
    • Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
    • Have your onsite waste-water system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.
    • Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
    • After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
    • Or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (solution of ⅛ teaspoon [~0.75 milliliters] of household bleach per 1 gallon of water). Let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use solution of ¼ teaspoon (~1.5 milliliters) of household bleach per 1 gallon of water.
    • Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.