RETURNING TO YOUR FLOOD-DAMAGED HOME
District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency

As a result of the severe rainstonns on August 10-12, 2001, the District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency is providing residents with this fact sheet on common sense tips on steps they should take when returning to their flood-damaged homes. More information can be found at the FEMA Website, at http://www.fema.gov/library/repfm.pdf. This detailed booklet outlines the immediate, short- and long-terms strategies for helping residents and homeowners when dealing with the aftereffects of a flood in their homes.

• First off, take care of yourself! Drink plenty of fluids, take breaks and rest and eat regular meals.
• Contact family members and make sure that everyone is OK and work on a manageable schedule. Don't overdo it on your first day back to your flood-damaged home.
• Small children, pets, pregnant women, the elderly and people with health problems should avoid flooded areas until cleanup is complete.
• Floodwaters often carry disease and bacteria that can be harmful to susceptible populations.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, thoroughly and often.
• Check for structural damage before entering the building, including walls, floors and ceilings. Do not enter a building that appears to be unsafe or at risk of collapse.
• Confirm that the water is safe to drink (Don't drink or wash dishes in it until you are sure)
• Disinfect dishes and everything else that floodwaters touched.
• Contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible. See if the flooding is covered either by your homeowner's policy, or flood insurance policy. While most standard homeowner's policies do not cover surface flooding, they may cover flooding caused by sewer backup or sump pump failure.
• Take photographs or videotape all damage and damaged areas prior to cleanup and keep a detailed log or account of what was damaged.
• Immediately throwaway any rotting food and small debris. Keep a record of this as well as it may be recovered through insurance as well.
• Make sure that the electricity is turned off before entering a flood-damaged structure. Turn the power off at your home at the fuse box or breaker box.
• Turn off the gas as gas appliances or pipes may have moved or been broken by the water. If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call 9-1-1 and the Gas Company immediately from a neighbor's home.
• Watch out for sagging ceiling and ceiling tiles. They may have become waterlogged and can fall and injure you. Rescue the most valuable items first, such as irreplaceable items such as money, jewelry, insurance papers, photographs and family heirlooms. Wash mud off the items dry, if possible.
• Resist the urge to stop and clean everything you pick up. Place a priority in saving the most valuable items first. Begin the drying process as soon as possible. Open up all windows, doors and vents if weather permits. This will reduce moisture and get rid of any gas in the house. Open closet and cabinet doors.
• If you do not have insurance or cannot afford a private contractor to help with cleanup or repairs, contact your local church, Red Cross and other community groups for assistance.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers where possible to move the air and dry out your home.
• Sort your contents into 3 categories and throwaway debris ( 1) Items you want to save -move these to higher ground or the second floor of your home, (2) things you do not want to save -make sure you take photographs or videotape these prior to disposal for insurance purposes, and (3) Garbage -get rid of food and anything else that will spoil or go bad immediately. Do not let garbage build up. Food in a freezer generally will last up to 3 days if the freezer remains unopened.
• Call the USDA Food Safety Hotline at 1-800-535-4555 (Mon-Fri 10 am – 4 pm EST) for food safety inquiries. Items such as mattresses, pillows, foam rubber, large carpets, carpet padding, upholstered couches and chairs, books and other paper products usually should be thrown away. Items such as food, cosmetics, medicines and medical supplies, stuffed animals and baby toys should always be thrown away.
• Tackle one room at a time when it comes time for cleaning.
   

For More information, call:
District of Columbia Emergency Management Agency
2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 673-2101 ext.1141 or ext 1182 Fax: (202) 673-7054