Homeowners and renters should use caution when returning to their houses in the disaster-designated counties after recent storms and record-setting flooding. There may be structural damage that has made the house unsafe, electricity and gas may pose a threat, and pests may have taken up residence inside.
State and federal disaster experts recommend a careful and systematic approach when returning to any area after a storm or flood:
- Turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker and turn off the gas. Call the utility company if you find downed power lines or suspect a gas leak.
- Inspect the outside of the house before entering. Look for cracks in the foundation and make sure that porch roofs and overhangs are adequately supported. If you have any doubts about safety, have a qualified building inspector or structural engineer make an inspection.
- Enter with caution. A stuck door may mean that the ceiling is ready to cave in. Furniture and other large objects could fall, causing injury. Check ceilings for signs of sagging. Rain or deep flooding may soak plaster and drywall. It is heavy and can cause injury if it falls. Expect floors to be slippery and littered with debris. Be on the lookout for snakes and wild and stray animals, and remember that insects may have moved in while the house was empty.
- Do not use generators or other gasoline-powered machines indoors. They emit carbon monoxide that can be deadly. Camp stoves and charcoal grills should only be used outside.
- Groundwater creates enormous pressure on basement walls and floors. Drain the basement no more than 1 foot per day to minimize further damage.
- Floodwaters damage materials, leave mud, silt and unknown contaminants and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Dry your home to reduce these hazards.
- The walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and any other parts of a home that have been flooded should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
- Unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Check with your local power company before turning the power on.
- Pump out wells and have the water tested by experts before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
- Take photos of the damage. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
More tips on what to do after a disaster are available online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have health questions regarding flood cleanup, contact your local public health department. If you need help and don’t know where to turn, the information line for the Tennessee statewide resource network is 2-1-1.
About FEMA
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at (800) 621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call (800) 462-7585.
