Disaster Relief: Priorities for Cleanup and Repair

Priorities for cleanup and repair vary depending on the type and seriousness of damage. Buildings may not be habitable during repair.

• Examine building structure.
  • Check foundations for settling, cracking, or undermining.
  • Examine walls, floors, doors, and windows for necessary repairs.
  • You may want to repair temporarily until extensive work can be done.
• If a basement is flooded, start pumping the water in stages. Pump out about a third of the water each day.
• Get the electrical system in working order.
  • If the switchbox is in a flooded basement, do not turn the electricity back on until you have pumped out the water.
  • Take electrical appliances to a qualified service repair center as soon as possible.
• Get the water system in working order. Disinfect wells and water system.
• Shovel out mud and silt before it dries.
• Before flooded walls and floors dry, wash them down with a hose. Start at the highest point of flooding and work downward.
• Scrub and disinfect walls and floors.
• Start heating system, if possible, to speed up drying.
  • Before operating the heating system, you may need to clean, dry, and recondition it.
  • Make sure chimneys are clean before starting the system.
• Dry out walls and floors.
  • If required for proper drying, strip drywall up to water level.
  • Drill holes in exterior siding.
  • Complete drying may take months.
• Repair buckled walls and floors.
• Clean and dry household items, furniture, carpets, clothing, dishes, and bedding. Disinfect when necessary.
• Treat items for mildew as needed.
• Care for damaged trees, shrubs, and lawn.
• Repaint, repair, and refinish as necessary.

Supplies and Equipment for Home Cleanup

Cleaning Supplies

• Non-phosphate detergent¹
• Bleach²
• Disinfectant
• Ammonia
• Scouring powder
• Rubber gloves
• Sturdy boots or heavy-soled shoes

¹United States manufacturers have removed phosphate from laundry detergents.

²Use bleach sparingly, if at all. New recommendations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) caution against its use.

Equipment for Small Jobs

• Buckets
• Tools (crowbar, hammer, screwdriver)
• Sponges and cloths
• Scrub brushes
• Scoops
• Throw-away containers for garbage and a container to carry from house to street
• Water hose

Equipment for Large Jobs

• Buckets
• Tools
• Brooms
• Shovels
• Garden hoe
• Sponge mop or a mop that is easily squeezed out
• Water hose
• Wheelbarrow
• Dolly
• Bushel baskets
• Wash tubs (for soaking objects)

Resources

For more detailed information and illustrations about flood and mold cleanup, visit the following websites, or search by title and sponsoring organization.

• A Field Guide for Flooded Home Cleanup: An illustrated 18-page booklet created through a cooperative effort of the National Center for Healthy Housing, NeighborWorks America, Enterprise Community Partners, and other partners.
• A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home: Photos and instructions may be viewed online, or a booklet may be downloaded, with EPA recommendations.
• Flood Cleanup and the Air in Your Home: Basic safety and cleanup information from EPA in an easy-to-read booklet with color illustrations. Also available in Spanish.
• Disaster Relief & Recovery Services: Resources provided by the American Red Cross.
• Recover and Rebuild: Resources provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources.

Publication 3676 (POD-10-24)

Reviewed by Rubin Shmulsky, PhD, Professor and Head, Sustainable Bioproducts.