Don't Wait For An Inspector Before Cleaning A Storm-Damaged Home
Release Date: August 16, 2004
Release Number: 1536-007
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- Concerned and anxious homeowners, business owners and renters should not delay in cleaning up after a disaster.
“You don’t have to wait for an inspector to begin clean up,” said Lou Botta, federal coordinating officer with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “FEMA does need some form of documentation such as photos or videotape, but flood clean up needs to begin as soon as possible,” he added.
Floodwaters may introduce a number of toxic materials onto surfaces and may permeate carpeting, furniture, flooring and wallboard. These areas need to be sanitized as soon as possible.
When cleaning their property, owners should be careful to take the following steps:
- First, make sure it is safe to enter the property;
- Wear protective clothing, sturdy, non-porous gloves and a face mask;
- Mud may be contaminated and slippery, remove it carefully and thoroughly;
- Be cautious of gas leaks and possible electrical system damage;
- Look for and remove trash, broken glass, nails, splintered wood, etc.;
- Wash and disinfect all flooded items and areas, discarding items if necessary;
- Watch for mold, which can develop in a few days, resulting in serious health problems;
- Be attentive to odors that may indicate hidden mold; and
- Before attempting to rebuild be sure all areas of the property are dry and that no moisture is trapped inside walls, which can cause future insect infestation and deterioration of wood.
“We advise residents to assume that anything touched by floodwaters is contaminated and needs to be cleaned quickly or thrown out. Floodwaters contain sewage, chemicals from roads, farms, factories and household chemicals,” said Stephen S. Kappa, state-coordinating officer for the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services. “They should not wait for an inspector before getting rid of dangerous chemicals in the home or business.”
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Monday, 16-Aug-2004 15:59:44