Starting to recover from a flood

“Of course, a flood is dangerous while it’s occurring, but after the initial event, there are still plenty of hazards that can cause serious injury,” said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.

Since roads may be closed or damaged, be cautious when walking or driving in affected areas.

“Roads may be washed out or weakened and it may be hard to distinguish where roads end and ditches begin,” Peek said. “Don’t ignore or drive around police barricades and avoid moving water.”

For your safety, wait until authorities have given the all-clear before approaching your home or any property that has been damaged in a flood. When cleaning up debris, wear clothes that protect your arms, legs, feet and hands, including gloves, to avoid skin contact, irritation or infection.

Before entering a flood-damaged structure, be sure there are no live power lines in or around the house, and turn off any outside gas lines and let the structure ventilate for several minutes. Never turn the gas back on yourself. Call your gas company for help.

“Begin by checking the foundation, walls, windows and floors for damage,” Peek said. “If your basement or crawlspace is flooded, try to pump out about one-third of the water each day.”

Discard items that cannot be salvaged. Any flooded appliances should be taken to a qualified service repair center.

When it comes to water and food, be careful. For example, a flooded well needs to be disinfected. Similarly, any food that has been in contact with flood water, should be discarded.

For more information, contact your county Extension office and visit www.ready.gov.

###

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures.  This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: [email protected] has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154.

REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Leilana McKindra
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6792
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: [email protected]