If you are returning home after evacuating:

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid floodwaters.
  • In addition to being a drowning hazard, water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  • 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.
• Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Use the phone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
• Walk carefully around the outside.
  • Check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
  • If you have any doubts about safety, have your home inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
  • Do not enter if:
    • You smell gas.
    • Floodwaters remain around the building.
    • Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
• Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering—the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present. Here are things to check inside your home:
  • Natural gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside. Call the gas company from a neighbor's residence. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, a professional must turn it back on . Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other flammable materials present.
  • Sparks, broken or frayed wires. Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they're safe to use. You may want to have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.
  • Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.
  • Appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again.
  • Water and sewage systems. Check with local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking.
  • Your basement . If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.
  • Open cabinets. Be alert for objects that may fall.
• Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages, and keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. Don't drink water from a well that has flooded unless the water has been tested and shown to be safe to drink.
  • If water is unsafe, use bottled water not exposed to flood waters.
  • If bottled water is unavailable, boil water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with a cover.
  • If boiling water is not possible, disinfect it by adding 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach to 1 gallon water. Stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. (If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water before adding bleach.)
• Throw out all food and other supplies that may have spoiled or come in contact with floodwater.
  • All-metal, non-damaged canned food can be used if the cans are cleaned, rinsed, and sanitized in a solution of 1 tablespoon household bleach in 1 gallon water for 15 minutes. Labels should be removed prior to cleaning, and the cans should be relabeled afterwards.
  • Thoroughly wash, rinse, and sanitize (using a solution of 1 tablespoon household bleach in 1 gallon of water) all pans, dishes, utensils (including can openers), and countertops.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.

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