Officials Advise Caution in Returning to Flooded Homes
Release Date: June 7, 2002
Release Number: 1412-33
» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms and Tornadoes
Columbia, MO -- State and federal disaster officials advise residents to exercise caution when returning to flood damaged homes.
Floodwaters often become contaminated and prolonged dampness can provide a breeding ground for mold, say representatives of the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. To prevent illness, officials advise not just cleaning up, but disinfecting as well.
First, consider these precautions:
- Disconnect the main power to the house for the first phase of the clean-up.
- Remove all wet furnishings. They, too, will need to be disinfected.
- Use protective clothing including gloves and a mask if needed.
- Throw out any food that might have been contaminated.
- If symptoms of illness appear, leave any area where the air or substances seem to cause symptoms and seek medical attention if needed.
Walls must be allowed to dry thoroughly from the inside out, officials say. The drying process may take weeks or even months, depending on the initial moisture content and drying conditions. For home interiors, keep these tips in mind:
- Interior plaster walls must be drained if they are still holding water.
- Remove and throw away flood-soaked wallboard.
- Remove wet furnishings and discard or disinfect them.
- Remove wet insulation and discard. Rigid foam insulation is an exception. It can be removed and disinfected. Once it is completely dry, it can be reinstalled.
- Wash and disinfect the exposed wall cavity and framing. Scrub with hot soapy water and rinse with bleach solution. Allow to dry VERY thoroughly.
- Lower the humidity. You can speed the process by opening up the house, opening closet and cabinet doors and using fans and dehumidifiers.
- Wet flood insulation must be removed and the framing disinfected and dried out.
- Use a wood moisture meter to check dryness. Lumberyards, hardware stores and local extension services often rent or loan these devices.
After the home has been disinfected and dried, rebuild with water-resistant materials. Ceramic tiles, products like WonderBoard(r), rigid foam insulation, and even marine plywood, may be appropriate.
Additional information is available in Repairing Your Flooded Home, a joint publication of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross. It is available from the Red Cross, state and local emergency managers and FEMA Publications, P.O. Box 70274, Washington, DC 20024. It may also be requested by calling toll-free 800-480-2520, extension 4.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 26-Aug-2003 13:15:34