Many people are faced with multiple challenges after a hurricane. People’s homes and property can be damaged by high winds and flooding. Someone whose home has been flooded has to deal with water damage to the building as well as loss of possessions. Hurricane Helene caused widespread damage in western Virginia, with many people stranded without electricity or cell service while roads were blocked or washed away. Governor Youngkin has declared a state of emergency for Virginia, and President Biden has approved an Emergency Declaration for Virginia that will allow federal disaster assistance. The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has set up a web site for people affected by Hurricane Helene, including information on damage assessment and state and federal assistance processes.
If you need help with cleanup after Hurricane Helene, you can contact the Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline at 1-844-965-1386 or contact your local emergency management office.
If your home has been flooded and you are returning to it after the flood waters have gone down, it’s important to be safe. EPA has information on returning to a flooded home on their website. Follow these guidelines to help protect yourself.
Cleanup Guidelines
Do not return until local officials say it is safe
Many areas have hazards such as downed power lines, roads that have washed away, roads blocked by debris, and damaged buildings that could be in danger of falling. Do not return to your neighborhood until officials have said it is safe to do so.
Stay out of the water
Do not enter a home that is still flooded. Flood water can hide debris such as broken glass and can be contaminated with chemicals such as household cleaners, gasoline, or pesticides. The water and mud can carry germs that could make you sick. Do not let open cuts or scrapes get wet with flood water.
Make sure the building does not have structural damage
Things to look for include roofs that sag in the middle or at the ends, walls that are not straight, missing support columns, new cracks in the exterior, leaning of basement walls, flooded crawlspaces and basements, soil that has washed away, or large objects that may have been carried by the water and run into your home. If there are any signs of structural damage, do not enter the home until it has been confirmed to be structurally safe. If you have entered the home and hear any unfamiliar shifting sounds, get out right away.
Do not enter a home if the electricity is on
Make sure the electricity is off. Standing water can create a shock hazard. Surfaces that wouldn’t normally conduct electricity will carry electricity easier when wet. The electricity should not be turned back on until it has been confirmed to be safe.
Wear protective clothing while cleaning
Wear protective clothes: rubber gloves, pants, and hard sole shoes. An N-95 mask and goggles should be worn when cleaning mold. Mold may start to grow within 24 hours on items that are continuously wet. Drying things out quickly will help prevent mold growth. Materials that are not dried out can continue to be damaged over time by mold, and a moldy home can cause breathing problems and other symptoms in sensitive people. To prevent mold growth, clean up any standing water that remains after the flood. Remove wet materials, and either throw them out or let them air dry for later cleaning. Initial cleaning can be done with regular household cleaners or detergent, then dry surfaces thoroughly. Solid surfaces that do not absorb water can be cleaned with disinfectant. You can get more information about cleanup here. After cleanup, wash all clothes worn while cleaning separately from other laundry with hot water and detergent.
Protect yourself from unhealthy indoor air
Inhaling mold can cause health problems, like allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Mud can smell unpleasant and could be contaminated with sewage, which can generate noxious odors such as sewer gas, also called hydrogen sulfide. Household cleaners and disinfectants can also generate irritating odors. Follow the directions on household cleaner’s label. Never mix household cleaners, because some mixtures can generate poisonous gases. Keep the home ventilated while you are cleaning by opening doors and windows.
People with asthma, mold allergies, or other breathing problems should not be involved in cleanup. If you do decide to clean up after a flood, be sure to wear an N-95 mask and get to fresh air quickly if you start to have trouble breathing.
Use generators safely
Generators produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide interferes with your blood’s ability to use oxygen. Generators should never be placed inside a building when in use, but outside away from windows and doors. Seek fresh air immediately if you feel lightheaded or like you might throw up when using any generators, camp stoves, lanterns, or other similar items.
See a doctor if you get sick
If you feel sick after flood cleanup, see a doctor. This could include symptoms like rashes or skin infections, breathing problems, fever, body aches, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea. Germs, mold, and chemical exposures could all cause symptoms, so you should get checked out by a healthcare provider if you feel sick.
DIY home remediation after a flood
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has information for those planning to remediate their homes after a flood. Information can be found here and topics include:
- Installing, roof, window and door tarps
- Removing standing water
- Wall cleanup and removal
- Floor cleanup and removal
- Drying everything out
There are additional things to consider when remediating your property. Do any of the items you are removing contain asbestos or lead-based paint? For more information visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website here to learn more.