Return home only when officials have declared the area safe.

Going back to a flooded property

• Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines to your utility company or local emergency manager.
• If you smell natural or propane gas or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and call the fire department. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you are sure that the gas has been turned off and the area has been aired out.
• Watch for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may shelter in yours. Use a pole or stick to poke and turn items over and scare away small animals.

Going into your building

• Your foundation may have been damaged and parts of your home may have collapsed. Approach entrances carefully. See if porch roofs and overhangs have all their supports.
• If your home has already been inspected by the Community Development and there is a red tag posted, do not enter the building. The red tag means the inspector saw severe damage to the structure and it is too dangerous to inhabit. Call the number on the tag for more information.
• Re-enter your building carefully or ask the Community Development Department at 360.740.2696 for a complimentary safety check before you go in.

Stay healthy

• Flood water is often contaminated with chemicals, animal and human waste, heavy metals, and other contaminates which can make you very sick. Wear protective clothing, such as boots and rubber gloves when working with items that have been in contact with flood waters. If you come into contact with flood water, wash yourself with soap and water as soon as possible.
• Boil your drinking water or use bottled water until you are certain your drinking water is safe. If you use a well, your well water may be contaminated and it may need to be disinfected. Contact the Lewis County Environmental Health Department for more information.
• The Red Cross resource, Disaster Cleanup and Repair for your Home, has good information on returning to and cleaning your flooded house.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Throw out food.
• Water bottles, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples, and containers that have been in contact with flood waters. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Throw away items that cannot be disinfected.
• Carbon monoxide exhaust kills. Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machine outdoors. The same goes for camping stoves. Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly-cook with charcoal only outdoors.
• Do not allow children to play in floodwater or with toys that have not been disinfected.