Safely Rebuilding Healthy Homes After Flooding

The Mayor’s Office of Community Development has provided this step-by-step protocol of how to clean a flooded house and prepare it for renovation. Correctly performing the initial cleaning and preparation will eliminate the need to repeat these actions later. Additionally, taking careful steps in the process will protect the air quality in the house and the health of the residents, view the Step-by-Step Protocol (PDF). Please refer to the City of Baton Rouge Permit and Inspection Division Information Sheet concerning when a permit is required and what work is exempt from permitting. For more information view the City of BR Permit and Inspection Information Sheet (PDF).

Families that have been impacted by the flooding events may find helpful the following materials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control and from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation:

HUD Office of Healthy Homes & Lead Hazard Control

Consumer Tips for Post-Disaster Home Restoration (PDF) helps homeowners identify hazards, work with contractors to remove the hazards, help ensure the work is done properly, and learn when they can return safely to the home. The publication discusses seven potential hazards that may impact their health.

Rebuild Healthy Homes (PDF) helps homeowners, volunteers and other workers restore damaged homes in a way that puts people first. It includes how-to methods, tips and improvement ideas for safe restoration that result in not just a livable dwelling, but a healthy home that offers even more than before.

EPA Office of Air & Radiation

Flood Cleanup and the Air in Your Home (PDF) tells homeowners how to clean up after a flood and how to prevent indoor air problems.