DEP Storm and Flood Recovery
Fact Sheets and Information
Rain. And lots of it.
What we experienced this weekend was not a 100-year-rain event or even a tropical storm. The intense rainfall from the slow-moving, moisture-rich storm still inundated and overwhelmed area runoff systems. The super-soaker caused havoc and emphasized the escalating threat of flooding from even common, summer-time thunderstorms.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) provides a list of resources to help building owners prepare and recover from flood events like this weekend. PaDEP recommendations include:
Document Damage.
Before you begin any cleanup, contact your insurance company and take pictures of any damaged building materials and personal items. Continue documenting and taking pictures throughout the cleanup activities.
Be Proactive.
-- Wash Your Hands with soap and clean water immediately and often after any contact with flood water or contaminated items.
-- Treat and Protect any open wounds, even small cuts or abrasions.
-- Wear Protective Gear for cleanup work.
-- Prevent Mold Growth by cleaning and drying out the building, building materials, and personal items within 48-hours.
-- Safely Dispose of any hazardous materials and contaminated items.
Avoid Hazards.
-- Avoid Flood Waters. Do not wade into water, drive into water, or stand in water.
-- Avoid Structural Damage. Investigate and identify any damage before re-entering any building or using a previously flooded roadway.
-- Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from gas-powered generators, heaters, appliances, and impacted HVAC equipment.
-- Avoid Electrocution from any downed electrical lines, exposed wires, and swamped outlets.
If in doubt, throw it out.
-- Throw Out any potentially contaminated fresh or frozen foods, home-canned items, boxed, dry, or food staples, and frozen or refrigerated goods that have been exposed to elevated temperatures.
-- Throw Out any porous items, soft goods, or water-logged materials not cleaned and dried within 48 hours.
-- Contact your physician first, and then Throw Out any water-impacted or temperature-impacted medications.
Don’t take my word for it… independent resources and links:
US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Flood Recovery
https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/be-safe-when-returning-flooded-home
US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Safe Return After Flooding
https://www.pema.pa.gov/Recovery/Documents/Mold-Mildew-Cleaning-Up-Flood-Damaged-Home.pdf
If you have any specific questions about your property, please give us a call at 610-359-1730.