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Recovering from a flood event is difficult emotionally and financially. Determining what to do first may be overwhelming. The following information provides basic guidelines on what to do after a flood.
Back to topPhysical, mental and material recovery
Physical recovery - staying healthy
- Iowa Concern hotline - 1-800-447-1985
- CDC: What to do to prevent getting hurt or sick after a flood
- CDC: Keep food safe after a flood
- CDC: Protect yourself from flood hazards
Mental recovery - emotional impact of flooding
- Iowa Concern: A Source of Help for Iowans in Need
- Disaster Distress Helpline
- Ready.gov: Helping Children Cope with a Disaster
- Exploring Strategies for Coping with a Flood
- Helping Disaster Victims Bounce Back - Bounce Back Now Free App
Material recovery
Mold remediation
Resources for agriculture community
- Flood recovery on a farm
- Farming after the flood
- Salvaging flood damaged agricultural buildings
- Flooding and stored grain
Financial assistance
- Emotional & financial toolkit
- FEMA: Filing a flood insurance claim
- FEMA: Flood insurance manuals and handbooks
How to avoid and report scams after a disaster
Back to topRepairing your home
- Equipment for entering and cleaning flood-damaged property
- Well water safety after flooding
- FEMA: Returning home after a flood
- Red Cross: Disaster cleanup and repair for your home
- The FEMA Building Science Branch provides guidance that focuses on creating disaster-resilient communities to reduce loss of life and property.
Follow the law
After a flood, state and local regulations and permitting requirements must be followed. These requirements are in place to ensure you stay healthy and rebuild safely.
- Iowa county websites
- Iowa HHS: Disaster recovery resources
- Iowa DNR: Environmental guidance for flooding
- Electrical safety during flooding