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After the Flood
- If you live within the regulatory floodplain,
you must apply for a Floodplain Development Permit from your
jurisdiction before beginning any repairs. A Floodplain
Development Permit is required
for work such as removal or replacement of the roof, walls,
siding, wallboard, plaster, insulation, paneling, cabinets,
flooring, electrical system, plumbing, and heating or air
conditioning system.
- A building permit may also be required prior to performing repairs to your damaged structures. A building permit is required for work such as removal or replacement of the roof, walls, siding, footings, foundations, retaining walls, insulation, structural flooring, electrical system, plumbing, and heating or air conditioning systems. For repairs that only involve opening walls and replacing insulation, a Permit of Record and an inspection is offered by Community Development Services for no charge. Call 509-962-7506 for more information.
- Use caution when returning home. Check for gas leaks,
electrical shorts and live wires. Use flashlights instead of
lanterns and candles when first checking. For more information
on reentering your home, visit
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/reenter.asp
- Check your house for structural damage. For assistance, call
your jurisdiction’s Building Department. Permits are required
before beginning repairs.
- Contact your insurance agent to report losses. Take photos
of the damage and inventory all missing and damaged items. Make
a mark on your house showing the high water level.
- If floodwater reached your electrical system, be sure to
call an electrician to inspect the system before turning your
electricity back on. After a flood, the Department of Labor & Industries will provide one no cost electrical inspection if the inspection is requested by an agency. Call Community Development Services at 509-962-7506 to request the inspection. For more information on electrical permits and inspections after a disaster, visit
http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Electrical/BasicElectInstall/NaturalDisasters/
.
- Clean and sanitize all surfaces that were touched by
floodwater using a bleach water solution. Floodwater often
carries contaminates like chemicals, sewage and animal waste.
For more information on cleanup of floodwater, visit
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/cleanupwater.asp
and
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/bleach.asp
- Take caution when pumping out flooded basements. Don’t pump
the water out until floodwaters on the outside have receded to
protect the walls from collapsing. Pump only a few feet out each
day to prevent damage.
- If floodwater entered your home, you must open the walls up
to allow them to dry out and prevent mold growth.
- If your well was flooded, the well water should be checked
for contaminants before using. If your water may be
contaminated, disinfect water before using. For more
information, call the Kittitas County Department of Public
Health or visit
http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/health/emergency/fs_emergency-disinfection-drinkingwater-2006.pdf
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