Department of Natural Resources Aids Returning Flood Victims With Cleanup Guidance

As flood waters eventually recede, flood victims will slowly return to their homes and businesses with questions about where to begin with the cleanup and how to complete it safely. Returning residents will be faced with water-damaged homes, compromised wells and a list of other challenges that flowed in with the water.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has information on its Natural Disaster Resources Web page--dnr.mo.gov/disaster.htm--to provide community leaders, emergency responders and individuals with a convenient location to find an extensive list of fact sheets to aid in the cleanup and recovery from recent floods, some of which includes: “What to do with Disaster Debris,” “Boil Water Notice,” “Household Chemical and Household Hazardous Waste,” and “Restoring Drinking Water” fact sheets.

"The Department of Natural Resources is working closely with federal, state and local officials to provide environmental technical assistance to communities and residents that have been affected by the severe weather and flooding," said Sara Parker Pauley, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

In addition to the publications and fact sheets, the department has public service announcements on disaster assistance available at dnr.mo.gov/psa/index.html#disaster. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services also has documents available on its website such as “Precautions for Returning to Flood-Damaged Homes” or “Buildings and Flood Cleanup Instructions” at health.mo.gov/emergencies/ert/naturaldisasters.php.

Residents should contact their public water supply directly for further information and consult the local news media for notification when any health advisories have been issued or lifted. If residents need additional information or cannot reach their water supply representative, call the department’s Public Drinking Water Branch.

Individuals using private wells that may have been flooded should follow boil order procedures, which are available from their local public health agency.

It is also important to remember that after a disaster, propane and sealed tanks, cylinders, drums and barrels may be scattered onto neighboring properties. These should only be handled by trained professionals, as they may contain dangerous materials. Call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Emergency Response at 573.634.2436 or your local fire department for assistance.

Source: Missouri DNR