Homes & Buildings

Flood Resources for Homes, Buildings, Farms or Ranches

Preparing a Home Which Will be Flooded - Kenneth Hellevang, North Dakota State University

Steps should be taken to minimize damage to homes in the path of floodwaters. Clean-up will be easier and less costly if the following measures are taken.

English language web page |  PDF version of Preparing a Home
Spanish Version
Audio Mp3 recording by  Shirley Niemeyer, UNL Extension Housing and Environment Specialist

Before the Flood - Videos from North Dakota State University http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood

Prepare for Flooding in Rural Areas -from NDSU

Specifically for farms or ranches:

  • Move machinery, feed, grain, fuel and agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, to higher ground.
  • Move motors and portable electric equipment to a dry location if possible.
  • Anchor fuel and other tanks to keep them from moving with the floodwaters.
  • Determine whether underground tanks are engineered to keep them from lifting out of the ground if the contents are lighter than water.
  • Turn off electrical power to all buildings that could flood.
  • Keep an inventory of livestock and property such as machinery and equipment.
  • Prepare a list of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances.
  • Move livestock to higher ground and be sure you have access to feed.
  • If you have dairy cattle, develop plans for moving your cows to temporary milking facilities and learn about emergency milk pick-up services available in your area.
  • Place riprap on the banks of earthen manure storage areas where flowing water may erode berms.

Reduce Water and Flood Damage in Home

Preventing Flood Damage - Existing Home - Louisiana State University - AgCenter

General Tips for Reducing Flood and Water Damage Inside the Home (PDF file, 74KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Steps to Reduce Flood and Water Damage (PDF file, 51KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Electric Units Require Care (PDF file, 8KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Basements May Flood if Drainage is Poor (PDF file, 9KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Managing Risks (PDF file, 92KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Flooding and wet conditions are causing continuing basement seepage which can be harmful to residents

Dealing with Continuing Basement Seepage, Kenneth Hellevang, North Dakota State University

 

Information provided by:

Bobbi Holm, Extension Educator-Urban Environment, UNL Extension in Douglas and Sarpy Counties, Omaha, Nebraska

Officials Offer Tips For Preserving Important Papers and Family Records - FEMA

Creating A Healthy Home: A Field Guide for Clean-Up of Flooded Homes National Center for Healthy Homes

After the Flood - Videos from North Dakota State University

New Phone App from NDSU to Help Residents Record and Recover From Flood Damage

Entering and Cleaning Up Flooded Homes, Protect Yourself and Your Family During Cleanup  University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension

Equipment for Entering and Cleaning Flood-Damaged Property
Folks waiting for flood waters to recede can start preparing to clean up homes and property by locating and organizing these essential tools and equipment.

Resources for Your Flooded Home (PDF file) University of Missouri Extension

Guidelines for Handling Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment - National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Mold Damage In Homes - Audio Mp3 recording by Shirley Niemeyer, UNL Extension Housing and Environment Specialist

Rehabbing Flooded Houses: A Guide for Builders and Contractors (PDF file, English and Spanish) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, prepared by Steven Winter Associates, Inc.

First Entry of a Flooded Home (PDF file, 51KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Hiring Contractors (PDF file, 88KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Making Claims (PDF file, 68KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Flood Risk Management - Avoiding Scams Following a Flood (PDF file, 51KB) - Iowa State University Extension

Initial Restoration for Flooded Buildings (PDF file, 253KB) - FEMA

Flood Damage-Resistant Materials Requirements (PDF file, 1,163 KB) for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program

Storm Recovery Guide (PDF file, 1, 004 KB) - Louisiana State University Extension

Mold Removal Guidelines for Your Flooded Home (PDF file, 708KB) - Louisiana State University Extension

Hiring a Mold Remediation Contractor - Joseph Laquatra, Extension. Cornell University and Claudette Reichel, Louisiana State University AgCenter

Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems (PDF file, 37KB) - EPA

Flooding Housing PowerPoint Show (PDF file, 1,552KB) by Shirley Niemeyer

Repairing Your Flooded Home  - American Red Cross

Floods and Your Home - Iowa State University - the Center for Food Security & Public Health

UNL Extension Webinar: Flooding Issues: Residential Housing (S. Niemeyer) and also private Wells and Septic Tanks (S. Skipton & J. Hygnstrom)

Preparing Homes for Long-term Inundation - EDEN Extension Disaster Education Network