Cleaning Up After a Disaster

After a Disaster:

Severe Storms/Tornadoes

Disaster Cleanup and Repair for Your Home: Tips for reversing the damage done to your home during a disaster - American Red Cross

Returning Home After a Disaster
North Carolina State Extension

Storm Recovery Guide (PDF file, 1, 004 KB) - Louisiana State University Extension

Guidelines for Handling Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment - National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Fire

Returning Home after a Wildfire
Once a wildfire has burned through an area, many dangers may remain. Follow these precautions when returning home. Updated October 2024.

Flood/Water Damage

Cleaning Your Home

Cleaning Flood-damaged Homes
Texas A&mAgriLife Extension

Flood Damaged Home Video Series
NDSU Extension

Pumping a Flooded Basement
First District Health Unit - North Dakota

What to Wear When Cleaning

A Field Guide for Clean-Up of Flooded Homes
National Center for Healthy Homes

Priorities for Cleanup & Repair
North Carolina State Extension

How to Salvage Flood-Damaged Appliances
North Carolina State Extension

Washing and Sanitizing Kitchen Items
North Carolina State Extension

Kitchen Cleanup After the Flood
North Carolina State Extension

Cleaning Flooded Upholstered Furniture, Curtains, Bedding, Table Linens, and Other Household Textiles
North Carolina State Extension

Handling and Cleaning Up Damaged Pesticide Containers at Home
North Carolina State Extension

Water-Damaged Carpets and Rugs
North Carolina State Extension

Flood-Damaged Furniture
North Carolina State Extension

Equipment for Entering and Cleaning Flood-Damaged Property

Dry Out Before you Rebuild

Resources for Your Flooded Home
University of Missouri Extension

Storm Recovery Guide (PDF file, 1, 004 KB) - Louisiana State University Extension

Storm Damage Cleanup Highlights - Louisiana State University Extension

Options for Removing Sand Deposited by Floods.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality offers several options for sand removal, one of which requires US Army Corps approval.

Rebuilding

FAQs--After Gutting a Flooded Home - Louisiana State University Extension

Hiring Contractors (PDF file, 88KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Making Claims (PDF file, 68KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Flood Risk Management - Avoiding Scams Following a Flood (PDF file, 51KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Initial Restoration for Flooded Buildings (PDF file, 253KB) - FEMA

Flood Damage-Resistant Materials Requirements (PDF file, 1,163 KB) for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program

Health and Hazards

Guidelines for Handling Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment - National Electrical Manufacturers Association

What to Wear When Dealing with Mold - CDC

Mold Removal Guidelines for Your Flooded Home (PDF file, 708KB) - Louisiana State University Extension

Removing Mold in Your Home - University of Georgia Extension

Dealing with Potential Moisture Problems After a Flood
North Carolina State Extension

Hiring a Mold Remediation Contractor - Joseph Laquatra, Extension. Cornell University and Claudette Reichel, Louisiana State University AgCenter

Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems (PDF file, 37KB) - EPA

Floods and Your Home - Iowa State University - the Center for Food Security & Public Health