Flood or Other Disaster Resources
Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website for information about flooded homes. For more information on diseases that can be related to flooding, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
Frequently Asked Questions - Natural Disaster
Flood or Disaster Sanitation Information (Spanish)
This file contains: Directions for Treating Water in Small Quantities, Directions for Disinfecting Wells and Water Sources, Salvaging Flood Damaged Food in the Home, Rehabilitation of Buildings, Furnaces, Furniture, Rugs, and Clothing.
Flooded Homes Cleanup Guidance (EPA)
Directions for Treating Drinking Water in Small Quantities
These instructions should be followed if a safe water source is not immediately available.
Directions for Disinfecting Wells and Water Sources
This document details necessary information for the proper sanitizing of wells or other private water sources after a flood, and before the water supply is again put to use.
List of Private Labs for Well Water Testing
After a flood, it is a good idea to have your well water tested for contaminants. Individuals can have a private lab test their well water samples. The lab will analyze the sample and return the results to the collector, usually within 72 hours. The cost for this service will likely be between $25 and $30. This site provides a list of Indiana-certified Microbiology Drinking Water Labs.
Diseases Caused by Sewage or Sewage Contaminated Water
List of diseases caused by sewage or sewage contaminated water that can occur in the United States. PDF Version [29 KB]
Septic Systems - What to Do after the Flood
Questions and answers from the EPA.
Salvaging Flood Damaged Food in the Home
Information and direction relating to foods and food containers that may be safely salvaged.
Rehabilitation of Buildings, Furnaces, Furniture, Rugs, and Clothing
Information about salvaging household items and rehabilitating a home for occupancy following a disaster.
Protect Yourself from Mold (CDC)
Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems (EPA) Extensive water damage after floods increases the likelihood of mold contamination in buildings. This report from CDC provides information on how to limit exposure to mold and how to identify and prevent mold-related health effects.
Homeowner's and Renter's Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters (EPA) This document describes how to clean up after a flood.
Water Outages at Schools
Information to assist school officials and local health departments in responding to a water outage, or the issuance of a boil water order, during the school day.
Sandbag Disposal
Sandbags are used by communities and private property owners to hold back floodwaters and prevent property and structural damage. IDEM regulates the disposal of use of sandbags. Proper sandbag disposal varies based on what has come in contact with the sandbags.
Homeowner Guidance on Cleaning Up After Residential Sanitary Sewer Backups
Flooding can release sewage waste from sanitary sewers drain and septic tanks. The release of material is a threat to public health as the waste often contains dangerous bacteria, viruses, and promotes insect growth. Cleaning up and disposing of waste is an important first step in a proper cleanup after flooding.
Additional Resources
- Tetanus Information
It is recommended people in flooded areas make sure they are up to date on their tetanus immunizations. Tetanus vaccines are available from your primary health care provider or your local health department. - American Red Cross
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Indiana Department of Homeland Security --DHS
- Federal Emergency Management Agency -- FEMA
- Environmental Protection Agency -- EPA
- INdiana PREPared
Contact the Indiana Department of Health or your local health department for additional information.
