The following are guidelines for the period following a flood:

• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply is safe to drink.


• Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.


• Avoid moving water.


• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.


• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.


• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.


• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.


• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.


• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.


• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.