As You Rebuild

The Red Cross urges all who have been affected by floods to use caution.  Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.  Even a shallow depth of fast-moving floodwater produces more force than most people imagine.  If you are in a car and your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground.  When returning home:

Listen: Follow the advice of local authorities.

Be safe:  Avoid downed power lines and smell for gas when entering your home or office.  Wear protective clothing like rubber gloves and boots when cleaning your home.

"When in doubt, throw it out": Dispose of food, beverages and medicine exposed to floodwaters and mud, including canned goods, capped bottles and sealed containers.  Water may not be safe to drink, clean with, or bathe in after an emergency such as a flood.  Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water until your water supply is tested and found safe.

Get rid of mold:  Mold can cause asthma attacks or irritate your eyes, nose and skin.  Remove all items that have been wet for more than 48 hours.  To clean hard surfaces, use commercial cleaning products or a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water.