The Nine Steps of Flood Recovery
Though your home and its contents may have been damaged by a storm related or , many of your belongings can be restored. If you do things right, your flooded home can be cleaned, dried out, rebuilt and reoccupied sooner than you think!
Play it safe. The dangers are not over when the water recedes. Your home's foundation, walls or ceilings may have weakened, the electrical system may have suffered damage - or floodwaters may have left behind things that can make you sick.
The Nine Steps of Flood Recovery:
Step 1. Take Care of Yourself First
If you are ill or injured, get prompt medical attention. Protect yourself from , fatigue and . If you need food, clothing, shelter or referral to health care and human services call .
To contact specific agencies:
- : via or (213) 473-3231
- : (213) 974-1234
- : (800) 807-6755
- : (800) 333-4636
- : (800) 621-3362
Step 2. Give Your Home First Aid
If evacuated, return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so. , and some - such as chemical and sewage contamination, electrical shock and inhalation hazards, may be invisible. If there is any doubt about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering. Once certain it is safe to go inside, proceed carefully. Your damaged home is no place for small children or pets. While working to protect your home from further harm, be certain to such as boots, rubber gloves, face mask and goggles. Don't hesitate to ask for help!
Step 3. Get Organized
Document every loss and expense. Take photos, keep receipts and . Some things are not worth repairing and other things may be too complicated or expensive to do by yourself. A recovery plan can take these things into account and help you make the most of your time and money.
Step 4. Dry Out Your Home
Floodwaters damage materials, leaving mud, silt and contaminants that can promote the growth of . You need to to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.
Step 5. Restore the Utilities
Your work will be much easier if you have heat, electricity, , and . If storm damaged, we suggest these services be formally inspected and safely restored only by certified utility workers, as quickly as possible.
Step 6. Clean Up
Official documents and family treasures can often be and with special care. , including packaged items contaminated by flood water. Any flooded part of your home and all household items that contacted floodwater should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. When in doubt, throw it out! Don't risk injury or infection.
Step 7. Check on Financial Assistance
There are , and volunteer agencies, and services, as well as and , and that can greatly assist you through the and .
Step 8. Rebuild and Flood Proof
to repair and . Make improvements that will protect your building from the next flood and other likely disasters. Beware of , and . Insist on clearly written bids and opinions from reputable, established firms willing to provide , training and insurance. Don't hesitate to ask for multiple references and inspect previous work.
Step 9. Prepare for the Next Flood
Protect and for with , a and that takes into account and protection programs.
We trust these Nine Steps of Flood Recovery will help you recover quickly and safely.
We encourage residents to monitor from the City's throughout their flood or storm recovery process.
