What to do After a Flood
Even after floodwaters recede, health and safety dangers are left in their wake. Seek necessary medical care at the nearest hospital. Begin flood cleanup carefully and safely by following these tips.
Safety: Outdoors
- Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
- If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded, stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it’s also very slippery. Avoid walking or driving through it.
- Report broken utility lines to the electricity company.
Safety: Indoors
- Throw away food that has come in contact with flood waters. If the cans are dented or damaged, throw them away. Food contaminated by floodwaters can cause severe infections.
- Boil drinking water before using. Inundated wells should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking. If in doubt, call your local public health authority.
- Do not enter any building if floodwaters remain around the building. Floodwaters often undermine foundations. Floors can crack or break and buildings can collapse.
- Use flashlights -- not lanterns, torches or matches -- to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks or other damage. See if porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports.
- Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service. Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit.
- Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone outside quickly. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
- If power is lost, never use a portable generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, including in your home or in a garage, basement, crawl space or other partially enclosed area, even with ventilation. Locate generators outdoors and away from any doors, windows, and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Getting help from the Red Cross
- Food, clothing, shelter and first aid may be available from your local Red Cross chapter. Call (309) 677-7272 in Peoria.
- Your local Red Cross has a copy of the booklet “Repairing Your Flooded Home” available free.
- The Red Cross can provide you with a cleanup kit: mop, broom, bucket, and cleaning supplies.
- The Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter strives to assist all humanitarian concerns, even if it’s providing a referral to another appropriate community agency that can be of assistance.
When in doubt, call the Red Cross at (309) 677-7272 in the Peoria area.