Message From VEM Regarding Flooding

STAY SAFE WHEN RETURNING HOME AFTER FLOODING

WATERBURY – With Lake Champlain receding, a number of homeowners will likely be returning to their homes after the flooding of recent weeks. When returning to homes it is important to ensure conditions are safe now and over time.

Before returning to your home, have your electrical and heating systems inspected by a qualified professional.
If you sustained serious damage have the structure inspected by a contractor.

Watch out for fraud. Fraudulent contractors sometimes exploit a disaster. If you suspect fraud contact or visit the Vermont Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Office web site, click HERE.

It is very important to remove mold. Furniture, carpets, and drywall that have been exposed to water for as little as 24 to 48 hours can contain mold.

Open up the house, and if the weather permits, open all the doors and windows to exchange the moist indoor air for drier outdoor air.

Remove all wet furniture, contents and carpets or rugs. If you decide to keep them, they must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Most household cleaners will be good enough to cleanse walls and wood furniture. An alternative is a mixture of ¼ cup of liquid chlorine bleach for every gallon of water. For more info click HERE.

When pumping out your basement do not remove all of the water at once. This may cause serious structural damage to the house. Draining the water too fast could cause the collapse of the cellar walls, floors, and foundation. The water must be drained slowly to equalize pressure on both sides of the wall.

DO NOT USE GASOLINE POWERED PUMPS OR GENERATORS INDOORS AS THEY PRODUCE DEADLY CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES.
Never go into a flooded basement unless you KNOW the electricity is off.

It is better to wait until water is no longer covering the ground around your home before pumping water from your basement.
Be careful of slips and falls.

If you have a private well, assume the water is unsafe to drink. Have your water tested as soon as possible.

For more helpful tips on returning to the home, visit the Vermont Department of Health web - click HERE.

Homeowners may qualify for grants or low-interest loans to pay for damages and recovery. It is important to keep thorough records and include photos of the damage. Homeowners should call 2-1-1 to report damage to their home.