What to do when flood waters recede

Jeanne Tucker, RN
Hannibal Regional Hospital Team Health Nurse
Once the flood waters recede you will be eager to resettle into your home.  However be careful upon re-entering your home as it may be contaminated with sewage, dangerous chemicals or mold. These can be very harmful to you and your family.  You will want to take precautions with cleaning and drying out your house to prepare for your family’s return.  
 To ensure safety, keep children and pets out of the home until cleanup has been completed.  You will need to always wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup.  Wash your hands frequently during and after cleaning up with soap and clean water. 
 First, electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions. Never turn power on or off or operate an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.  If you must enter water to turn off your power, do not do it, contact an electrician.  Also, have an electrician assess the house’s electrical system for any damage before turning the power back on. 
If the house has been closed up for several days open doors and windows to allow the house to air out for at least thirty minutes before staying in the house for even a short period.  If you house was flooded and has been closed up, presume it is contaminated with mold and possibly sewage.
Once an electrician has determined your power is safe to turn on, use a shop vacuum, an electric powered water pump or sump pump to remove standing water.  You will need to wear rubber boots while doing this to avoid electrocution.  Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window facing outward rather than inwards, so not to spread the mold. 
Have your homes heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system checked and serviced if the system was flooded.  Turning on your system without having it inspected could spread mold throughout the house. Professional cleaning will kill the mold and prevent further growth.  Once it is determined your system is safe, turn it on to help remove excess moisture.
Remove and throw away any items that cannot be washed and disinfected such as mattresses, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, books, wall coverings, and most paper products.  Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or chemicals.  You can consult with a professional cleaner to determine if any of these things may be salvageable.   
In addition, you will want to verify that your water source is safe.  Listen for public health announcements regarding the water in your area.  If the water in your area is not yet safe, you may use water that has been boiled for one minute or you can use a bleach water solution of ¼ teaspoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water.  Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces such as pantry shelves, counter tops and refrigerators with hot water and detergent. Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent.  Wash these separate from uncontaminated clothing and linens.  Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent.  
Above all, use caution.  Do not let the eagerness to return home let you forget about the potential of dangerous chemicals, sewage and mold that me be in your home.  Consult professional services regarding utilities or clean up prior to returning home.   Seek medical attention if you, a friend or family member becomes ill.