Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during your cleanup after a hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster. Follow our cleanup tips and monitor your radio or television for up-to-date emergency information.

General Safety Tips

Be careful when entering damaged buildings

• Stay away from any damaged buildings or structures until a building inspector or other government authority has had a chance to examine it and certify that it’s safe.
• Wait until daylight to return to buildings so it’s easier to see and avoid any hazards- especially if the power is out.
• Leave your home or other building if you hear any shifting or strange noises- this could mean it’s about to fall.
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave your house/building and contact emergency authorities right away! Don’t turn on the lights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that can cause a spark. Don’t return to the building until you’re told it’s safe to do so.
• Keep children and pets away from the affected area until cleanup has been completed.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

• Never use generators, pressure washers, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper—or even outside near an open window, door, or vent. Carbon monoxide—an odorless, colorless gas from these sources that can cause sudden illness and death—can build up indoors and poison the people and animals inside.

Be aware of any electrical hazards

• If electrical circuits and electrical equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then call an electrician to turn it off.
• Never turn power on or off or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.
• Do not connect generators to your home’s electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard and it may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.

Be careful with dangerous materials

• Call the fire department to inspect or remove chemicals, propane tanks, and other dangerous materials.
• Wear protective clothing and gear (for example, a respirator if needed) when handling hazardous materials.
• Wash skin that may have come in contact with hazardous materials.
• Wear insulated gloves and use caution if you have to remove a car battery. Avoid any acid that may have leaked from a car battery.

Cleaning and sanitizing your household after an emergency is important to help prevent the spread of illness and disease.

Using Cleaning & Sanitizing Products

First, wash surfaces with soap and warm, clean water to remove dirt and debris. Next, sanitize surfaces with household bleach.

It is critical to read and follow the safety instructions on any product you use. Below are the most important safety guidelines when using sanitizing products:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner.
• Wear rubber or other non-porous boots, gloves, and eye protection.
• Try not to breathe in product fumes. If using products indoors, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter.

Cleaning & Sanitizing with Bleach

Use regular, unscented household bleach with a sodium hypochlorite concentration between 5% and 9% (this is the most common concentration in the United States) and follow the instructions in the chart below.

Recommendations for Cleaning and Sanitizing Food Cans and Surfaces

Recommendations for Cleaning and Sanitizing Household Surfaces and Items

Recommendations to Clean Mold Growth Off Hard Surfaces

Be aware that flood water may be contaminated.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Surviving rodents often relocate to new areas in search of food, water, and shelter.
• Remove food sources, water, and items that provide shelter for rodents.
• Dispose of garbage on a frequent and regular basis inside and outside of the home.
• Thoroughly clean areas with signs of rodent activity to reduce the likelihood of exposure to germs and diseases.

Rats and mice are destructive pests that can spread disease, contaminate food, and destroy property. After a disaster, the number of rats and mice is often reduced, so illness or injuries associated with rats and other small rodents are uncommon in the short term.

Rodents that survive a disaster often move to new areas. It will take time for rodents to regroup, reorganize their social behavior, become familiar with their new environment, find safe haven, locate food and water, and memorize their movements. Colony building and reproduction will begin only when their new ecosystem has stabilized. This typically takes 6 to 10 months under favorable conditions. As the rodent population grows and resettles, people have a greater chance of being exposed to the diseases carried by rodents. Rodent urine and dander also contain allergens that can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive persons and more than 9,000 persons are treated in emergency departments annually for rat or mouse bites.

Indications that rodents are present—aside from seeing either live or dead ones—are rodent droppings, runways, rub marks, and tracks. Other signs include burrows, nests, gnawings, food scraps, rat hair, urine spots, rodent noises, insects that are associated with rodents, odors from urine, or dead rodents. Rats and mice are different animals and methods used to control them will differ.

The following recommendations will help residents reduce the risk of disease or personal injury associated with rodents.

Removing food sources, water, and items that provide shelter for rodents is the best way to prevent contact with rodents. Where necessary, control rodents by using an integrated pest management approach that includes environmental sanitation, proper food storage, rodent-proofing, trapping, and poisoning.

Inside the Home

• Keep food and water covered and stored in rodent-proof containers. A rodent-proof container is made of thick plastic, glass, or metal and has a tight-fitting lid.
• Keep pet food covered and stored in rodent-proof containers. Allow pets only enough food for each meal, then store or throw out any remaining food. Do not leave excess pet food or water out overnight.
• Dispose of garbage on a frequent and regular basis. If storing trash and food waste inside the home, do so in rodent-proof containers.
• Wash dishes, pans, and cooking utensils immediately after use.
• Remove leftover food and clean up any spilled food from cooking and eating areas.
• Do not store empty cans or other opened containers with food residues inside the home.
• When possible, use spring-loaded traps in the home and outside buildings. Use a small amount of chunky peanut butter or other available food as bait. (Remember – you are more likely to be successful trapping rodents if your home is free of other easily accessible food items.) Place traps in a “T” shape against baseboards or wall surfaces where rodent rub marks, droppings, or rodents have been seen. Keep children and pets away from areas where traps are placed.
• Glue traps and live traps are not recommended. Glue traps mainly catch juvenile rodents, not breeding adults. Rodents caught in live traps and released will likely reenter the home.

Outside the Home

• Dispose of debris and trash as soon as possible. Store woodpiles and stacks of lumber or other materials at least 12 inches above the ground and as far away from the home as possible.
• Store garbage in rodent-proof containers with tight fitting lids.
• Store grains and animal feed in rodent-proof containers.
• Remove any food sources, including animal carcasses, that might attract rodents.
• Haul away trash, abandoned vehicles, discarded tires, and other items that might serve as rodent nesting sites.
• Keep grass short and cut or remove brush and dense shrubbery that may provide rodents cover and protection.
• Trim tree limbs or shrubs that overhang or touch buildings.
• Place spring-loaded traps in outbuildings and in other areas where signs of rodents are found. Do not allow children or pets to play near spring traps.

Rodent-Proofing Your Home

Rats can enter the home through a hole the size of a quarter. Mice can enter through a hole the size of a dime. Seal gaps and holes inside and outside the home that are greater than a ¼-inch diameter with any of the following materials:

• Cement or cement mortar,
• 19-gauge or greater metal mesh, wire screening, or hardware cloth (1/4-inch or less spacing is preferred),
• steel wool,
• heavy-duty caulk or elastomeric sealant, or
• expanding foam.

Cleanup of Rodent-Contaminated Areas or Dead Rodents

Thoroughly clean areas with signs of rodent activity to reduce the likelihood of exposure to germs and diseases. When cleaning, do not stir dust when sweeping or vacuuming up droppings, urine, or nesting materials.

Cleanup of Contaminated Surfaces

• Do not vacuum or sweep rodent urine, droppings, or contaminated surfaces unless they have been disinfected.
• Wear rubber or plastic gloves if you need to touch dead rodents, traps, or rodent droppings.
• Spray rodent urine or droppings with a disinfectant or a 1:10 chlorine solution (1½ cups of household bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water) until thoroughly soaked. Let it soak for 5 minutes.
• Use a paper towel to pick up the urine and the droppings and discard it outdoors in a sealed garbage container. After the rodent droppings and urine have been removed, disinfect items that might have been contaminated.

Cleanup of Dead Rodents

• Check traps regularly.
• Spray dead rodents with a disinfectant or 1:10 chlorine solution (1½ cups of household bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water).
• Wear rubber or plastic gloves.
• Take the rodent out of the trap by lifting the spring-loaded metal bar and letting the animal fall into a plastic bag, then seal the bag, OR place the entire trap and dead rodent into a plastic bag, then seal the bag.
• Place the rodent or entire trap and rodent into a second plastic bag and seal it. Promptly dispose of the sealed double bag in a properly sealed outdoor garbage can.
• Wash gloved hands with soap and water or spray a disinfectant or bleach solution on gloves before taking them off.
• After removing gloves, thoroughly wash hands with soap and water (or use a waterless alcohol-based hand gel when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly soiled).
• If the trap will be reused, decontaminate it by immersing and washing it in a disinfectant or 1:10 chlorine solution (1½ cups of household bleach with 1 gallon of water) and rinsing well afterwards.
• Continue trapping for at least 1 week after the last rodent is caught.
• If rodents continue to be a problem, consider contacting a professional pest control operator for help.

Precautions for Building Entry After a Disaster

Damaged or abandoned homes and other buildings may be infested with rodents. If buildings have been abandoned for an extended period of time, it may be helpful to air them out for 2-3 days before reentering.

If you see signs of rodents, the building will need to be thoroughly cleaned. Contact your local health department for guidance on cleaning in these situations.

Do not vacuum or sweep rodent urine, rodent droppings, or contaminated surfaces that have not been disinfected.

• Spray urine and droppings with a disinfectant or a 1:10 chlorine solution (1½ cups of household bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water) until thoroughly soaked.
• Let it soak for 5 minutes.
• Use a paper towel to remove urine and droppings.
• Discard the paper towel outdoors in a sealed garbage container.

Most states have their own guidelines on disposal of dead animals, so people with questions regarding the specific situation in their state are highly encouraged to contact local or state health and agricultural officials for clarification.

Are there any special health risks I need to be aware of when disposing of dead animals?

The risk to humans from animal carcasses is low if proper precautions are taken.

• Practice proper hand washing to prevent infection with certain pathogens that may be transmitted from farm animals, including Salmonella and E. coli .
• Secure all food sources and remove any animal carcasses to avoid attracting rats.
• Wear insect repellant when outdoors. Emergencies such as natural disasters may lead to more mosquitoes, which can carry disease.

People working to clean up areas containing swine or poultry carcasses should take the following precautions:

• Wear protective clothing, including waterproof gloves, waterproof boots, and protective eyewear (cover any open wounds).
• Use duct tape to seal tops of gloves and boots to prevent water seepage.
• Wear respiratory protection—an N-95 respirator or better.
• If you smell hydrogen sulfide (a rotten egg smell), get out of the building and call your county extension office.
• Clean and disinfect all clothing and boots after handling carcass-contaminated materials.
• Wash work clothes separately from street clothes.
• Wash hands thoroughly before placing fingers in mouth (nail biting, etc.).
• Shower and wash hair thoroughly after handling carcass-contaminated materials.

How do I dispose of a dead animal on my property during flood cleanup?

It is usually the responsibility of the owner or person in charge of domesticated animals to appropriately dispose of dead animals in accordance with local or state ordinances within 24 hours after knowledge of the death. It can be the responsibility of the municipal or county government to designate appropriate people to dispose of any domestic dead animals whose owner cannot be identified.

Contact your local animal control department, local health department, or state veterinarian for specific disposal guidance.

My pet was killed in the flood. Can I bury it on my property?

Several cities require Animal Care and Control agencies to manage the disposal of family pets and other dead animals, except for livestock. Check with your local authorities for more information.

If not, how do I dispose of the remains?

1. Wear gloves.
2. Cover your gloved hand with a plastic trash bag, pick up the remains, then invert the trash bag over the remains and seal the bag.
3. For larger animals, use a shovel to place remains inside a plastic trash bag, then rinse off the shovel with water.
4. Call your local animal care and control agency for further instructions and to request pickup.
5. Wash your hands.

I am a farmer and I lost a lot of livestock during the flood. How do I dispose of multiple animal remains?

Each farm operation should have specific plans for animal disposal in the event of an emergency. Farm operations should check with state and local authorities to ensure their plan meets local requirements.

In addition, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) can provide technical advice and assistance on the effective disposal of animal carcasses. The main phone number for the APHIS Emergency Management Staff in Riverdale, Maryland is 301-734-8073. Local phone numbers may be established in the event of an emergency response.

These guidelines are intended to address dead animal disposal during a declared emergency. They do not take the place of the dead animal disposal that occurs under the normal permitted operation of a farm.

Is There Mold in Your Home?

Was your home flooded? If it was, and you could not completely dry it out (including things like your furniture and rugs) within 24-48 hours, you probably have mold. Remember–even if you do not see or smell mold on clothing, drywall, furniture, cardboard boxes, or books, it may be hidden under or behind items like cabinets, carpet, cushions, or even inside your home’s walls.

Mold can cause many health effects. For some people, mold can cause a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or wheezing, burning eyes, or skin rash. People with asthma or who are allergic to mold may have severe reactions. People with weakened immune systems or chronic lung disease may get infections in their lungs from mold.

• If you have a respiratory condition like asthma or COPD or a weakened immune system stay away from moldy spaces.
• Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.

Do I Need to Use a Respirator When I Visit My Home After It Was Flooded (for example, to Inspect Damage, Collect Belongings, or Clean)?

If there is mold in your home (or you suspect that mold growth has occurred), protect your mouth and nose against breathing in mold by wearing at least a disposable, NIOSH-approved N-95 filtering facepiece respirator (often called an “N-95 respirator” or “N-95 mask”). You can buy respirators at your local home supply store. Look for a respirator approved by CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

If you plan to spend a lot of time (more than 4 hours) removing moldy items or doing work like ripping out moldy drywall, think about wearing a reusable half-face respirator or full-face respirator. You can get these at home supply stores, too.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/FY17_N95infographicWhatAreAPR.pdf

NIOSH-approved respirators are not designed for children.

Wear goggles, gloves, boots, long sleeves and long pants, too.

Inside Your Home or Other Buildings

Before you enter your home or any other building, you and your family should wait until local authorities tell you it is safe.

If you have to be around mold or dust (which can contain mold),

• Limit your contact with the mold or dust as much as you can.
• Use wet mops or vacuums with HEPA filters instead of dry sweeping.
• Wear a respirator like a NIOSH-approved N-95 respirator that protects against dust in the air.
• If you wear a respirator at work and have received training and fit testing there, use the same make, model, and size of respirator at home as you do at work.
• Make sure the respirator fits properly, even if not fit-tested, by following the instructions on the package. To get the most protection users should be clean-shaven in the areas where the mask seals to the face.
• Avoid touching the outside of the respirator so you do not get mold on your hands. When you finish using the respirator, throw it away so that children and others will not touch it. NIOSH-approved N-95 respirators should be thrown away whenever they are damaged, soiled, or are noticeably harder to breathe through. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific information on when to replace the respirator you are using.
• Take a break every hour or so (away from the moldy site) to drink some water and to get a break from wearing the respirator.
• Stop working and contact a doctor or other medical provider if you have trouble breathing or any other trouble when you wear a respirator.
• Read more about what to wear when entering a home or building with mold damage at What to Wear Before Entering a Home or Building with Mold Damage [PDF – 362 KB]

Outside Your Home or Other Buildings

You do not usually need to wear a respirator when you are outside. However, when you are in a very dusty environment (for example, if you are shoveling debris, sweeping dust, or using power equipment), then you may want to wear a NIOSH-approved N-95 respirator.

If you suspect that your well may be contaminated by germs from flood waters or another source, contact your local, state, or tribal health department or agricultural extension agent for specific advice on inspecting and disinfecting your well. If possible, use a contractor with experience in disinfecting and servicing drinking water wells. Use this guidance after checking with local authorities for flood precautions for private wells in your area. If you do not get your water from a well, see Use Safe Water After a Disaster or Emergency for information on clean, safe drinking water during a natural disaster or emergency.

IMPORTANT: Fuel and other chemical releases and spills are common during floods. If your water smells like fuel or has a chemical odor, contact your local, state, or tribal health department to request a chemical analysis of your water before using it. Until you know the water is safe, use bottled water or some other safe supply of water. Boiling or disinfecting water contaminated with toxic chemicals or fuels will not make it safe.

Safety Precautions

Clear hazards away from wells before cleaning and disinfecting them. Follow these precautions:

• Turn off all electricity to the well area before clearing debris. Do not attempt to repair the water system unless you are experienced with this type of work: electrical shock can occur. Inspect all electric connections for breaks in insulation and for moisture. Connections must be dry and unbroken to avoid electric shock.
• Carefully inspect the area around the well for hazards such as power lines on the ground or in the water; sharp metal, glass, or wood debris; open holes; and slippery conditions.
• Do not enter the well pit. Gases and vapors can build up in well pits, creating a hazardous environment. Clear debris from dug wells using buckets, grappling hooks, nets, and long-handled scoops.
• Before the power is turned back on for the well, a qualified electrician, well contractor, or pump contractor should check the equipment wiring system.
• Wear protective goggles or a face shield when working with chlorine solutions. Chlorine solutions may cause injury to the eye, irritate skin and damage clothing.
• Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid breathing vapors when mixing and handling chlorine solutions.
• Warn users not to drink or bathe in water until all the well has been disinfected.

Disinfection of Bored or Dug Wells

Bored and dug wells can be difficult to disinfect because the shallow depth and inadequate protection from flood water can allow contaminants to re-enter the well.

IMPORTANT: Bored or dug wells contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals will not be made safe by disinfection. If your water smells like fuel or has a chemical odor, contact your local, state, or tribal health department for specific advice.

Follow these steps to disinfect bored or dug wells:

1. If the well has an electrical pump, turn off all electricity and clear debris from around the top of the well.
2. Repair the electrical system and pump if needed. Contact a qualified electrician, well contractor, or pump contractor if you are not experienced with this type of work.
3. Start the pump and run water until it is clear. Use the outside faucet closest to the well to drain potentially contaminated water from the well and keep unsafe well water out of the interior household plumbing. If there isn’t a pump, bail water from the well with a bucket until water is clear.
4. If the well is connected to interior home plumbing, close valves to any water softener unit.
5. Use Table 1 to determine the amount of liquid household bleach needed to disinfect the well. Use only unscented bleach. For a table in metric units, please see Table 1.1: Approximate Amount of Bleach for Disinfection of a Bored or Dug Well (Metric).

Table 1. Approximate Amount of Bleach for Disinfection of a Bored or Dug Well

Notes:

• Use only unscented household liquid chlorine bleach.
• Bleach concentrations are generally between 5%-9%.
• Quantities given in this table are approximate and are rounded to the nearest practical measurement. Amounts given are calculated in accordance with reaching a chlorine concentration of > 100 mg/L

Key:

• gal: gallon
• 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces
• 1 gallon = 16 cups

1. Using a 5-gallon bucket, mix the bleach from Table 1 with 3-5 gallons of water (12-19 liters).
2. Add the bleach water mixture to the well. Avoid all electrical connections. Attach a clean hose to an outside faucet and use it to circulate water back into the well for thorough mixing. If there isn’t a pump, mix water by pouring it back into the well using a bucket.
3. Rinse the inside of the well casing with a garden hose or bucket for 5-10 minutes.
4. Open all faucets inside the home and run the water until you notice a strong odor of chlorine (bleach) at each faucet. Turn off all faucets and allow the solution to remain in the well and plumbing for at least 12 hours.
5. After at least 12 hours, attach a hose to an outside faucet and drain the chlorinated water onto an area without plants or vegetation, such as a driveway. Continue draining until the chlorine odor disappears. Avoid draining into open sources of water (streams, ponds, etc.).
6. Turn on all indoor faucets and run water until the chlorine odor disappears.
7. Until well water has been tested, boil it (roiling boil for 1 minute) before using or use another alternative water source. Wait at least 7-10 days after disinfection, then have the water in your well tested. Water testing cannot be done until all traces of chlorine have been flushed from the system.

Disinfection of Drilled or Driven Wells

Follow these steps:

1. If the well is equipped with an electrical pump, turn off all electricity and clear debris from around the top of the well.
2. Repair the electrical system and pump if needed. Contact a qualified electrician, well contractor, or pump contractor if you are not experienced with this type of work.
3. Start the pump and run water until it is clear. Use the outside faucet closest to the well to drain potentially contaminated water from the well and keep unsafe well water out of the interior household plumbing. If there isn’t a pump, bail water from the well with a bucket or other device until the water is clear.
4. If the well is connected to interior home plumbing, close valves to any water softener units.
5. Use Table 2 to determine the amount of liquid household bleach needed to disinfect the well. Use only unscented bleach. For a table in metric units, please see Table 2.1: Approximate Amount of Bleach for Disinfection of a Drilled or Driven Well (Metric).

Table 2. Approximate Amount of Bleach for Disinfection of a Drilled or Driven Well

Notes:

• Use only unscented household liquid chlorine bleach.
• Bleach concentrations are generally between 5%-9%.
• Quantities given in this table are approximate and are rounded to the nearest practical measurement. Amounts given are calculated in accordance with reaching a chlorine concentration of > 100 mg/L

Key:

• tbsp: tablespoon
• gal: gallon
• 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces = 16 tablespoons
• 1 gallon = 16 cups

1. Using a 5-gallon bucket, mix the bleach from Table 1 with 3-5 gallons of water (12-19 liters).
2. Remove the vent cap.
3. Pour the bleach water mixture into the well using a funnel. Avoid all electrical connections. Attach a clean hose to the nearest outside faucet and use it to circulate water back into the well for thorough mixing.
4. Rinse the inside of the well casing with a garden hose or bucket for 5-10 minutes.
5. Open all faucets inside the home and run the water until you notice a strong odor of chlorine (bleach) at each faucet. Turn off all faucets and allow the solution to remain in the well and plumbing for a minimum of 12 hours.
6. After at least 12 hours, attach a hose to an outside faucet and drain the chlorinated water onto an area without plants or other vegetation, such as a driveway. Continue draining until the chlorine odor disappears. Avoid draining into open sources of water (streams, ponds, etc.).
7. Turn on all indoor faucets and run water until the chlorine odor disappears.
8. Until well water has been tested, boil it (rolling boil for 1 minute) before using or use another alternative water source. Wait at least 7-10 days after disinfection, then have the water in your well sampled. Water sampling cannot be done until all traces of chlorine have been flushed from the system.

Sampling After Disinfection

• Wait at least 7 to 10 days to test the water after disinfection to ensure that the chlorine has been thoroughly flushed from the system. Until well water has been tested, boil it (rolling boil for 1 minute) before using or use another alternative water source.
• Contact your local health department for water sampling and testing information or contact your state laboratory certification officer to find a certified lab near you. You can also get water sampling information from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).
• Sample the water for total coliform and either E. coli or fecal coliform bacteria to confirm that the water is safe to drink.
• If results show no presence of total coliforms or fecal coliforms, the water can be considered safe to drink.
• Follow up with two more water tests, one in the next 2 to 4 weeks and another in 3 to 4 months.
• Check the safety of your water over the long term: continue to monitor bacterial quality at least twice per year or more often if you suspect any changes in your water quality.

If results show the presence of any coliform bacteria, repeat the well disinfection process and test again. If tests continue to show the presence of bacteria, contact your local health department for assistance.

Disinfection Issues and Concerns

The disinfection process may damage water softeners due to the large amounts of chlorine used. Follow your manufacturers’ instructions for appropriate methods to disinfect your softener unit. You will need to bypass the unit until completing the disinfection process.

Cleaning up after a flood can pose health risks. You and your family should wait to re-enter your home until professionals tell you it is safe, with no structural, electrical or other hazards.

Before you start cleanup activities, contact your insurance company and take pictures of the home and your belongings. Remember – drying your home and removing water-damaged items is your most important step for preventing mold damage.

Is There a Problem?

Was your home flooded? If so, and you were not able to dry your home (including furniture and other items) within 24-48 hours, you should assume you have mold growth. You need to completely dry everything, clean up the mold, and make sure you don’t still have a moisture problem.

You may see or smell mold on clothing, drywall, furniture, cardboard boxes, or books, but it may also be hidden under or behind items like carpet, cushions, or walls.

Mold Basics: How Molds Can Affect Your Health

Exposure to mold can lead to asthma attacks, eye and skin irritation, and allergic reactions. It can lead to severe infections in people with weakened immune systems.  Avoid contaminated buildings and contaminated water as much as you can.

Flood water may have carried sewage or chemicals into your home. This could expose you or your family to viruses, bacteria, disease carriers (such as mosquitos), and parasites, as well as mold.

You can protect yourself and your family from mold exposure by following these steps.

Before You Enter Any Moldy Site:

• Protect yourself and loved ones against hazards. People with breathing problems like asthma or who have weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy sites. Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work. Check for loose power lines or gas leaks. Make sure the electricity and gas are turned off. Look for sagging ceilings or floors or other structural problems. Watch out for wet, muddy, or slippery floors.
• Protect your mouth and nose against breathing in mold: wear at least an N-95 respirator. If you plan to spend a lot of time removing moldy belongings or doing work like ripping out moldy drywall, wear a half-face or full-face respirator.
• Protect your skin. Wear protective gloves (non-latex, vinyl, nitrile, or rubber). Do not touch mold or moldy items with bare hands.
• Protect your eyes. Wear goggles that provide complete eye protection. Choose goggles designed to keep out dust and small particles. Safety glasses or goggles that have open vent holes will not protect you against dust and small particles.

After You Leave a Mold Site:

• Protect yourself and loved ones. Shower and change your clothes.  This will help you avoid carrying mold and other hazards back to your current living quarters.

Should I Do This Myself?

This job may be too difficult or dangerous for you. It may be best to get help from experienced and qualified professionals if you can.  Hire a mold inspection or remediation professional affiliated  with or certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), or American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC) to inspect, repair, and restore the damaged parts of your home. Your state also may regulate mold remediation.

Sampling for mold is not usually recommended. Understanding the results can be difficult, and no matter what kind of mold is in your home, you need to clean it up and fix the moisture problem.

If I Must Do This Myself, How Can I Do It Safely?

Follow these steps:

1. Put on the personal protective equipment described above to protect your eyes, nose, mouth, and skin.
2. Remove standing water and wet materials. Use a wet vacuum to remove water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. Dry your home and everything in it as quickly as you can – within 24 to 48 hours if you can.
3. Open all doors and windows when you are working and leave as many open as is safe when you leave.
   • Open inside doors, especially closets and interior rooms, to let air flow to all areas. Take doors off their hinges if you need to.
   • Open kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity doors; remove drawers, wipe them clean, and stack them to dry.
   • Open the attic access to let air flow to the attic. Before you open the attic door, make sure nothing will fall on you.
4. When electricity is safe to use, use fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture. Do not use fans if mold has already started to grow, because the fans may spread the mold.
5. Clean with water and a detergent. Remove all mold you can see. Dry right away.
6. If you use cleaning products, do not mix cleaning products together. DO NOT mix bleach and ammonia because it can create toxic vapors.
7. Painting or caulking over mold will not prevent mold from growing. Fix the water problem completely and clean up all the mold before you paint or caulk.
8. Throw away items that can’t be cleaned and dried. Throw away anything that was wet with flood water and can’t be cleaned and dried completely within 24 to 48 hours. If you have precious items that you want to preserve, follow these guidelines from the Smithsonian Institute: https://culturalrescue.si.edu/hentf/resources/resources-public-and-historic-property-owners/.

Safety Tips on Using Portable Generators

• If you use a portable generator for electricity use CAUTION to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
• Use portable generators OUTSIDE and at least 20 feet away from buildings.
• Do not use portable generators inside your house or garage.
• Do not put portable generators on balconies or near doors, vents, or windows.
• Do not use portable generators near where you or your children are sleeping.
• Never refuel a generator while it is hot.

Am I Done?

• If you still see or smell mold, you have more work to do. After a remediation, there should be no signs of water damage or mold growth.
• You may need to ask a mold remediation professional to know whether your mold problem is completely fixed. As noted in the “Should I do this myself?” section, sampling for mold is not usually recommended; instead, a careful inspection of the work area for completion of the cleanup and absence of mold-related odors is usually appropriate.
• If you have health problems that get worse when you return home, like asthma or allergy attacks or skin or eye irritation, you may still have some mold.

Key Messages

Wear personal protective equipment. Wear an N-95 respirator at a minimum, goggles, and protective gloves.

Use portable generators carefully, outside and away from the home, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.

Ensure the mold cleanup is complete before reoccupying your home.

When returning to a home that’s been flooded after natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, be aware that your house may be contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health risks for you and your family.

People involved in disaster relief and cleanup need to be protected from infectious diseases, chemical exposures, radiation, electrical shock, and potential fire hazards. Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during your cleanup after a flood. Follow our cleanup tips and monitor your radio or television for up-to-date emergency information. 

General Safety Tips

Get the right safety gear

• Hard hats
• Goggles
• N-95 respirator (or a respirator with a higher protection level)
• Heavy work gloves
• Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank)
• Earplugs or protective headphones (if you’re working with noisy equipment)
• At least two fire extinguishers (each with a UL rating of at least 10A)

If sewage is involved, make sure to wear the following during your cleanup:

• Rubber boots
• Rubber gloves
• Goggles

Use teams to move heavy/bulky objects

• Have teams of at least two people work together to move heavy or bulky objects.
• Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).

Pace yourself

Cleaning up your home can be a big job. Be sure to take care of yourself:

• Rest when you need to.
• Decide which cleanup tasks are most important and focus on those first. That way, you’re less likely to be overwhelmed.
• Get help lifting heavy or bulky objects. If you lift too much on your own, you could hurt yourself.
• Try to work with other people, so you aren’t alone.
• Get support from family members, friends, counselors, or therapists.

Take precautions when using a chain saw

• When using a chain saw, always follow manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to wear appropriate protective gear and be sure that bystanders are a safe distance away.
• Avoid contact with power lines and take extra care in cutting trees or branches that are bent or caught under something else.
• Use extreme caution to avoid electrical shock when using an electric chain saw.

Stay safe in hot weather

• In hot weather, try to stay cool by staying in air-conditioned buildings, taking breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms, drinking water and nonalcoholic fluids often, and wearing light and loose-fitting clothing.
• Do outdoor activities during cooler hours.

If air conditioning is not available in your home

• Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
• Spend some time at a shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Don’t rely solely on fans to keep you cool. While electric fans might provide some comfort, when temperatures are really hot, they won’t prevent heat-related illness.

Mold

Prevent mold growth

• Clean up and dry your home quickly after the storm or flood ends—within 24 to 48 hours if possible.
• Air out your house by opening doors and windows. Use fans to dry wet areas. Position fans to blow air outdoors or windows.
• Throw away anything that you can’t clean or dry quickly (such as mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and paper products).
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
• Thoroughly clean all wet items and surfaces with hot water and laundry or dish detergent. For example, you’ll want to clean any flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures.
• Fix any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing as soon as you can.

Clean up mold with a mix of bleach and water

• Never use bleach in a closed space. Open windows and doors first.
• Put on personal protective equipment to protect your eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. Wear goggles, an N-95 respirator, and protective gloves.
• To make your cleaner, mix 1 cup of household bleach with 1 gallon of water.
• Clean everything with mold on it.

Keep Children Safe During Disaster Cleanup

• Keep children and pets away from debris.
• Children should not help with cleanup.
• Do not use N-95 respirators on children.
• Do not allow children to play in moving or standing water.
• Children should cover their arms, legs, and feet when outside.
• Use insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin on children when outside.
• Keep children away from dead or stray animals.
• Disinfect toys with diluted bleach. When in doubt, throw toys out.
• Wash hands with soap and clean water. Clean and cover open wounds.