Returning Home After a Flood

Key points

When returning home after a flood, know the steps you can take to prevent electric shock, carbon monoxide poisoning, and mold growth.

Script

Returning home after a flood?

  • Never use a wet electrical device.
  • Be careful near damaged buildings.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Use generators, charcoal grills, and pressure washers outdoors at least 20 feet from any doors, windows, or vents and use a battery-powered CO detector.
  • Prevent mold. Dry everything you can and put things that cannot be dried and cleaned outside.

Get more safety tips: www.cdc.gov/disasters.