First Steps Home after a Flood

First Steps Home after a Flood

Author: Karen Cox and Dan Lima April 4, 2024 Duration: 1:00

WVU Extension sends these tips to help during flood recovery efforts.

As the flood waters recede and you are allowed back into your home or business to assess the damage make sure you take lots of pictures of the building and its contents to document damages for insurance claims.

Keep watch for electrical dangers and report downed power lines immediately.  As you enter buildings look for loose plaster or drywall, and ceilings that could fall.  Also watch the floors for loose nails and boards. 

If you have a septic tank, cesspool, pit, or leaching system record damages to those as well.  Damaged sewage systems are health hazards and need to be serviced as soon as possible.

It is recommended to have an up to date tetanus vaccination, meaning within the last 10 years, before working in a flooded area. 

Now more than ever it is important to wash your hands with clean or disinfected water and soap before eating, smoking, or touching your face. 

Learn more at your local extension office, or online at https://extension.wvu.edu/community-business-safety/disaster-preparedness/flooding


For anyone with dirt under their nails or a curiosity about where their food comes from, Extension Calling: advice for the farm, garden, and home is a practical companion. Hosts Karen Cox and Dan Lima channel the deep, research-backed knowledge of their Extension work into conversations that feel like getting trusted advice from a neighbor who really knows their stuff. This podcast translates university-level science into actionable steps for your backyard plot, small farm, or kitchen table. Each episode is a compact, under-thirty-minute session designed to fit into a busy day, offering clarity on everything from soil health and plant selection to food preservation and sustainable practices. You'll hear straightforward explanations and thoughtful discussions that cut through the noise of gardening trends and agricultural jargon. It’s for the lifelong learner, the new homesteader, or anyone wanting to make more informed choices about their food and land. Tune in for these digestible mini-trainings that empower you to cultivate not just plants, but a deeper understanding of the entire system that feeds us.
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Extension Calling: advice for the farm, garden, and home
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