FEMA Urges Caution When Floridians Return to Their Flood-Damaged Homes
Release Date: October 7, 2000
Release Number: 1345-04a
» More Information on Florida Heavy Rains And Flooding
Washington, DC -- Cleaning up a disaster-damaged home - one of the first steps toward recovery - can be a difficult and disheartening task. It can also be dangerous. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is warning residents of those areas of Florida affected by recent flooding to be especially careful when returning to their homes.
"We urge residents returning to their homes to use common sense and follow some simple guidelines to safeguard their welfare," said FEMA Director James Lee Witt. "While it's good to be home and to begin cleaning up, it's vital to know what risks are posed in a flood-damaged home."
Severe storms and torrential rains flooded counties in southeast Florida beginning on October 3. Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties were declared federal disaster areas by President Clinton on October 5. The declaration makes residents and businesses in the affected area eligible for a variety of federal disaster assistance programs.
While some residents will be unable to return to their homes for some time, others are already being allowed back home. FEMA recommends that residents assume anything touched by floodwater is contaminated. Mud left by floodwater can contain chemicals from sources as varied as your garden chemicals to a neighbor's propane tank to the oven cleaner you stored in the kitchen. In addition, homes with flood damage may have damp areas where molds, mildews and other fungal organisms thrive. And there are dangers of electrical shock and a possibility of injury from hidden sharp objects.
FEMA warns that there is always a danger of structural instability, too. Before going in, residents should carefully check to make sure porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports. If residents see damage, a building inspector or contractor should check the building before anyone enters. If residents suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave home immediately and call the gas company.
In addition, FEMA warns that residents in Florida should enter home carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean the ceiling is ready to fall. If the door must be forced open, wait outside the doorway in case debris falls. Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain, or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard, which is very heavy and dangerous if it falls.
Other FEMA tips for returning to flood-damaged homes includes:
- Make sure the electricity is turned off. Unplug appliances and lamps, remove light bulbs and remove the cover plates of wall switches and outlets that got wet. If local building inspection code allows wiring to be disconnected from switches and outlets, do so and throw away the switches and outlets. If your building inspector says that you cannot disconnect the wiring, pull them forward, away from the wall, and leave them connected.
- A combination of household bleach and soap or detergent can be used to wash down walls, floors and other mold-contaminated areas. This will eliminate fungal problems and their inherent dangers. Follow directions on containers and take particularly note of warnings.
- Remove as much mud and debris as possible. Plan to disinfect the basement at a later date. Once you've checked the water system for leaks, hose down the inside of the house and its contents if it is muddy. It's best to use an attachment that sprays soap to wash and rinse the walls, floors, furniture, sockets, electrical boxes and other major items that got muddy.
- Remove heating and cooling registers and ducts, then hose the ducts to prevent contamination from blowing through the ducts at a later date. After hosing duct work, wash with a disinfectant or sanitizer that is phenolic or pine-oil based. If ducts are in slab or otherwise inaccessible, have them cleaned professionally.
- Don't let floodwater sit for long. Use a mop, squeegee or wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove standing water. Always wash your hands with soap and clean water after working in the area.
For more information, a joint publication of FEMA and the American Red Cross is available. For a free copy of "Repairing Your Flooded Home," call FEMA Publications at 1-800-480-2520 during normal working hours.
Residents who have disaster damage should apply for federal disaster assistance by calling FEMA's toll-free registration number: 1-800-462-9029 or 1-800-462-7585 (TDD) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Those will less urgent disaster needs are asked to wait a few days before calling to allow those with more severe damage to register first.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 12-Nov-2003 15:46:38