Flooding Checklist – K.L.E.A.N. Hawaii

☐ If your home or business has suffered flood damage, immediately call the insurance agent or broker who services your flood insurance policy. The agent will then submit a loss form to the National Flood Insurance Program. An adjuster will be assigned to inspect your property as soon as possible.

☐ Prior to entering a building, check for structural damage. Make sure it is not in danger of collapsing. If there is standing water next to the outside wall of the building, do not go in.

☐ Check for hazardous materials spills.

☐ Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank, and let the house air for several minutes by opening doors to help remove foul odors or escaping gas. It will also help dry out the building.

☐ Upon entering the building, do not use open flame as a source of light since gas may still be trapped inside; a battery-operated flashlight is ideal.

☐ Look for electrical shorts or live wires before making certain that the main power switch is turned off. Do not turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits.

☐ Cover broken windows and holes in the roof or walls to prevent further weather damage. The expense of these temporary repairs is usually covered under your flood insurance policy (subject to the policy deductible). Therefore, it is important to save receipts.

☐ Proceed with immediate cleanup measures to prevent any health hazards. Perishable items which pose a health problem should be listed and photographed before discarding. Throw out fresh food and previously opened medicines that have come in contact with floodwater.

☐ Water for drinking and food preparation should be boiled vigorously for ten minutes (until the public water system has been declared safe).

☐ Refrigerators, sofas, and other hard goods should be hosed off and kept for the adjuster’s inspection. A good deodorizer when cleaning major kitchen appliances is to add one teaspoon of baking soda to a quart of water. Any partially damaged items should be dried and aired; the adjuster will make recommendations as to their repair or disposal.

☐ Take pictures of the damage done to your building and contents.

☐ Take all wooden furniture outdoors, but keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent warping. A garage or carport is a good place for drying. Remove drawers and other moving parts as soon as possible, but do not pry open swollen drawers (or doors) from the front. Instead, remove the backing and push the drawers out.

☐ Shovel out mud while it is still moist to give walls and floors a chance to dry.

☐ Special attention should be paid to cleaning out heating and plumbing systems.

☐ Mildew can be removed from dry wood with a solution of 4 to 6 teaspoons trisodium phosphate, one cup liquid chlorine bleach, and 1 gallon water.

☐ Clean metal at once then wipe with a oil soaked cloth. A light coat of oil will prevent iron from rusting. Scour all utensils, and, if necessary, use fine steel wool on unpolished surfaces. Aluminum may be brightened by scrubbing with a solution of vinegar, cream of tartar, and hot water.

☐ Quickly separate all laundry items to avoid running colors. Clothing or household fabrics should be allowed to dry (slowly, away from direct heat) before brushing off loose dirt. If you cannot get to a professional cleaner, rinse the items in lukewarm water to remove lodged soil. Then wash in lukewarm, mild detergent; rinse and dry in sunlight.

☐ Flooded basements should be drained and cleaned as soon as possible. Remember, however, that structural damage can occur by pumping out the water too quickly.

☐ Do not visit disaster areas; you may hamper rescue or other emergency operations.

☐ Be aware of exhaustion. Don’t try to do too much at once. Set priorities and pace yourself. Get enough rest.

☐ Drink plenty of clean water. Eat well. Wear sturdy work boots and gloves.

☐ Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water often when working in debris.