EPA New England Topics

Information for Flooding in New England (En Español)

State Resources Connecticut Dept. of Emergency Management Maine Flood Hotline: 1-800-452-8735 • ME Emergency Management Agency Massachusetts Flood Hotline: 1-800-293-4031 • MA Emergency Management Agency • MassDEP Flood Cleanup and Recovery Guidance New Hampshire Flood Hotline: 1-800-458-2407 • NH Bureau of Emergency Management • What to do after a flood • Storm Disaster Recovery Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency Vermont Emergency Management   National Resources • Hurricane Information   Flood Water Precautions The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is cautioning the public and all responders about the potential hazards associated with flood waters. Every effort should be made to limit contact with flood water due to potentially elevated levels of contamination associated with raw sewage and other hazardous substances.

Because of intensive rainfall in New England, many areas experienced flooding or risk of flooding depending on weather conditions and proximity to rivers, streams, the ocean, lakes, ponds or reservoirs. State and local response agencies remain the primary responders for people who are concerned or were affected by flooding. If you or your family are in immediate risk and concerned for your well-being, remember that calling 9-1-1 is the quickest way to get emergency help. EPA will update this information as needed.

ALERT: Generator exhaust is toxic. Put generators outside or carefully vent the exhaust outside because the exhaust contains dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas.

Drinking Water and Food

• Boiling water information To kill all major water-borne bacterial pathogens, bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Boil 3 minutes at elevations above 5280 ft (1 mile or 1.6 km).
• Make sure older adults have enough water to drink. Dehydration can be life threatening to an elderly person. More info...
• What to do about water from household wells after a flood . Do not turn on the pump - danger of electric shock. Do not drink or wash with water from the flooded well.
• General info about household wells.
• Keeping food safe during flooding and power outages. Don't test the safety of possibly spoiled food by tasting it!

Flooding and Mold

• Flood cleanup: dealing with mold: The key to mold control is moisture control. After the flood, remove standing water and dry indoor areas. Remove and discard anything that has been wet for more than 24-48 hours. Read our brochure "Flood Cleanup and the Air In Your Home" (15 pp., 1.06 MB, about PDF)
• Safely cleaning a flood-damaged home from cdc.gov and Repair your flooded home from redcross.org
• Mold cleanup in schools and commercial buildings. information for building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for commercial building and school maintenance.
• General - Mold, moisture, and your home
  • Basics
  • Cleaning up mold
  • What to wear

For Water and Wastewater Facilities

• Suggested post-hurricane (or flooding) activities to help facilities recover from severe weather conditions.

Septic Systems

• What to Do after the Flood