Flood Recovery: Safeguarding Your Home and Belongings

Flood Recovery: Safeguarding Your Home and Belongings

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers the following guidelines for safeguarding your home and belongings after a flood:

• Move quickly to remove water from your home. The longer water sits in your home, the more damage it will cause.

• Remove wet carpets, rugs, and upholstery. These items can harbor mold and mildew and should be thrown away.

• Remove wet drywall, paneling, and insulation. These materials will also harbor mold and mildew and should be removed.

• Clean and disinfect all surfaces that have come into contact with floodwater. This includes countertops, floors, walls, and cabinets.

• If your appliances have been flooded, do not turn them on. Have them professionally cleaned and serviced before using them again.

• If your home has been flooded, it is important to have the electrical system inspected by a qualified electrician before turning it back on.

• Be sure to have your septic system inspected and serviced before using it again.

• If your home has been flooded, it is important to have the structure inspected by a qualified contractor before making any repairs.

• Be sure to document all damage to your home and belongings for insurance purposes.

For more information on flood recovery, visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.

Sources:

www.fema.gov

www.redcross.org

www.ready.gov