BEGINNING THE CLEANUP

CAUTION!

Before doing anything, does outside inspection show the structure is safe?

Check for structural damage to see if it is safe to enter the building.

Watch for electrical shorts and live wires. Electrical safety is most important in floods. Make sure that electrical service is DISCONNECTED and CANNOT be turned on before entering any structure.

Turn off any outside gas lines at the tank or meter and let the building air out for several minutes to remove gas fumes.

STEPS TOWARD CLEANUP

See that everyone is out of danger of new flood crests, falling buildings, fire, or other hazards likely to cause death or injury.

Contact your insurance agent immediately. Give your name, address, and a phone number where you can be reached.

Take pictures of the damage before beginning cleanup.

Keep accurate records. List all cleanup and repair bills, flood-related living expenses, and actual losses such as furniture, appliances, clothing, etc.

If you have a question or problem with your insurance carrier, contact the California Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357.

INFORMATION AND REFERRALS

Contact local, state, and federal offices for help and answers to specific cleanup questions.

Your UC Cooperative Extension county office can help with food and water safety, cleanup, and restoration questions or referrals.

The Farm Safety Office, 916/752-0563, can also help with referrals in general.

CLEANING UP INSIDE BUILDINGS

If your home-contained asbestos in the ceilings, insulation, or floor tiles and these areas are damaged, contact a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to remove these materials. If they are not damaged, do not disturb them at all. They can be covered and isolated in place without risk to you or your family.

The obvious first step is removal of all mud, water, debris, and flood-damaged items left in the home. Almost all food items should be thrown away. Bottled and sealed items may be kept, but only if the seal is still in place and you are sure that no contamination has occurred. Canned and boxed food items should be thrown away, as should the contents of refrigerators or freezers that have been submersed. Personal care items, toiletries, and household cleaners should be disposed of, unless they were in sealed containers and there is no evidence of contamination. If in doubt, throw it out.

Flood-soaked carpet, wallboard, paneling, draperies, furniture, and similar items should be removed from the home. Most will need to be disposed of, but some furniture may be salvageable. Cloth items will probably be damaged beyond salvage. It is important to get everything removable out of the home quickly after the water drains and the interior of the home opened up to dry. Removing the wallboard helps promote air circulation and drying of the studs, sill plates, and framing. Use fans to move air across these areas and promote drying. Experience from around the country indicates that some areas within the house will take several weeks to dry thoroughly.

If you use propane- or kerosene-fired heaters, remember that they produce carbon monoxide, which can quickly overcome and kill. Use excellent ventilation and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for use. Never use a portable gas heater in an occupied house! Be alert for the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, lethargy, confusion, and loss of coordination and/or consciousness. If you suspect someone may be poisoned, get him or her to a medical facility immediately. Do not let them drive, nor should you drive if you are suffering from these symptoms. Portable steam cleaners also produce carbon monoxide, and users should be aware of the hazards and take precautions when using them in homes, barns, or other buildings.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS/GAS

Be sure utilities are disconnected and the gas shut off before entering the building for the first time.

Wear rubber gloves and rubber soled boots for all work with electrical circuits. Rubber is an insulator and will help protect you from shocks.

Use a dry, wooden stick to switch off the main breaker, instead of stepping in water to reach the electrical box.

Disconnect the main switch and all circuits. If the main switch is located in the basement, be sure all floodwater is pumped out BEFORE attempting any work on electrical systems.

Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights to examine buildings. Never use matches, lighters or anything else with an open flame, as this could cause an explosion if propane, natural gas, or other flammable fumes or gases are present.

Remove covers and clean all outlets and fuse or multi-breaker boxes.

Dry contacts and spray with cleaner/lubricant.

Have an electrician check for ground faults and other unsafe conditions and equipment before reconnecting systems. Equipment and wiring that appear to be safe soon after flooding may fail prematurely and cause a fire or shock hazard. Replacement is often the best option. Circuit breakers that have been submerged should be replaced.

FOOD, WATER, AND GENERAL SANITATION

Until your local water utility or county health department declares your water source safe, purify all water, not only for drinking and cooking, but also for washing any part of the body.

To sterilize water, use one of these methods:

1. Boil vigorously for 3 minutes.

2. Add unscented chlorine bleach (1/2 teaspoon for each 2-1/2 gallons of water).

3. Add tincture of iodine (12 drops per gallon of water).

Discard all foods, including garden produce, that have come in contract with flood waters. Only foods sealed in airtight metal cans that are not bulging or damaged and have been properly sanitized can be saved.

Sanitize dishes, cooking utensils and food preparation areas before using them.

Give special attention to cleaning children’s toys, cribs, playpens, and play equipment. Boil any items a toddler or baby might put in his mouth. Discard stuffed toys, waterlogged toys, and non-cleanable toys.

Wash hands thoroughly after contact with flood water or flood-contaminated surfaces.

If exposed to flood water, get a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one within five years.

See a physician immediately if you experience abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.