FEMA P-234 Repairing Your Flooded Home
Overview
This document is a guide published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in October 2010. It provides instructions for homeowners on how to safely and effectively repair their homes after a flood event. The guide is structured into nine steps, covering everything from personal safety and initial home assessment to financial assistance and future floodproofing.
Key Safety Precautions
The guide emphasizes immediate safety measures to prevent injury or death upon returning to a flooded area:
- Water Hazards: Do not walk through flowing water (6 inches can knock you down) or drive through flooded areas.
- Electrical Safety: Stay away from power lines and turn off electricity at the main switch before entering. Do not use wet appliances or motors unless they have been professionally cleaned and dried.
- Gas Leaks: Use a flashlight to inspect for damage; do not use open flames or light switches if a gas leak is suspected.
- Structural Integrity: Look before you step, as floors may be slippery or covered in debris like broken glass.
- Health Hazards: Floodwaters may contain sewage and chemicals. Clean all wet items and discard spoiled food or medicines.
- Wildlife: Watch for animals, particularly snakes, that may have sought shelter in the home.
Step-by-Step Recovery Process
The document outlines a specific sequence for recovery:
Step 1: Take Care of Yourself First
- Focus on physical and mental health.
- Manage anxiety, stress, and fatigue.
Step 2: Give Your Home First Aid
- Protect the home and contents from further damage once it is safe to enter.
Step 3: Get Organized
- Create a recovery plan to prioritize repairs.
- Determine which items are worth repairing and which require professional help.
Step 4: Dry Out Your Home
- Remove mud, silt, and contaminants.
- Dry the structure to prevent mildew growth and further material damage.
Step 5: Restore Your Utilities
- Re-establish heat, electricity, clean water, and sewage disposal to facilitate other repairs.
Step 6: Cleanup
- Thoroughly wash and disinfect walls, floors, closets, shelves, and other flooded areas.
Step 7: Check on Financial Assistance
- Explore resources from voluntary agencies, businesses, insurance companies, and government disaster programs.
Step 8: Rebuild and Floodproof
- Rebuild correctly to prevent future damage.
- Implement improvements to protect the home from subsequent floods.
Step 9: Prepare for the Next Flood
- Secure flood insurance.
- Develop a flood response plan.
- Engage with community flood protection programs.
Additional Resources
- Index: Provided on page 48 for quick reference.
- Important Phone Numbers: Listed on the inside back cover for emergency contacts.