Wait until officials say it’s safe before you go back to your home.
When you get there, walk around the outside first. Do not go in if:
→ You smell gas. Leave immediately and call your gas company or 911 from a safe distance.
→ Floodwater is still around the building. It can weaken the foundation.
→ Officials haven’t said it’s safe to enter.
Stay away from downed power lines, and keep out of any water near them. Report them to [power company] or 911.
If your home flooded, don’t turn the power back on until an electrician has inspected it. If you have any doubt about the structure, have a building inspector check it before you go in.
What would you add to this list for your neighbors?
Seed comments: post each as a separate comment immediately after publishing:
- Comment 1: Has your household talked about who goes back first, and what you’d bring?
- Comment 2: [Link or phone number for your power company, gas company, and local re-entry information]
- Comment 3: What helped you after a flood or storm? Share a tip or a local resource here for the rest of us.
