Consumer Tips for Post-Disaster

Home Restoration

Getting Back to a Healthy Home

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes

www.HUD.gov/healthyhomes
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6. Always remove wet insulation and foam 

padding, even if the surface looks dry and 

clean.

7. Assume lead-based paint and asbestos are 

in homes built before 1978 (unless verified 

not present). Be mindful that disturbing 

such materials increases the hazard.

8. Control dust, capture debris and contain 

contaminants – with wet methods, drop 

cloths, debris bags, HEPA vacuums and 

workers trained in safe work practices.

9. Check credentials and hire only licensed 

and insured contractors, Lead-Safe Certified 

Renovators and certified asbestos 

professionals. Examine qualifications of 

mold remediation, fire and water damage 

restoration and other professionals. Check 

with your local contractor licensing agency, 

permit office and health department for 

requirements and lists.

10. Restore for more than before! Install 

hazard-resistant materials, connectors 

and building systems. Include energysaving and healthy home improvements.

1. Remind yourself often to put people 

before property! Make safety your 

top priority.

2. Wear personal protective 

equipment (PPE), including 

protective clothing and a NIOSHapproved respirator, every time 

you set foot in a damaged or moldy 

building.

3. Assess structural stability and 

hidden hazards before you enter. 

A professional inspection may be 

needed.

4. Prepare a plan for site work 

(supplies and methods), make a 

map (disposal and clean-up site 

layout), and review insurance 

policies and disaster assistance 

resources.

5. Go slow when pumping out water, 

then act fast to dry out and remove 

mold. Read, copy and share the DIY 

Mold Removal Guidelines sheet 

from the Rebuild Healthy Homes 

guidebook.

After natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes or other types of 

storms, your property may have hazards that could put your family’s health at risk.

This publication 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 your health. This publication is designed 

to be used only after the proper authorities have said it is safe to return to your home.

Please read the entire publication before proceeding with any actions. For more information, 

please visit www.hud.gov/healthyhomes.

Top10 Tips

for Post-Disaster Home Restoration

HIRING CONTRACTORS AND 

HOUSING RELATED PROFESSIONALS

To restore your home following a disaster so that it is safe for your family, you will 

likely need to employ one or more professionals. It is always important to make sure 

that major work is done by a qualified contractor/professional.

Ask the following questions to help identify qualified contractors/ professionals. If 

a contractor does not meet all of the requirements, you are advised to find another 

contractor/professional that does meet the requirements listed below.

For general contractors

} Is the general contractor licensed by 

the state?

} If your home was built before 1978 is 

the contractor certified with the State 

or EPA as a Renovation, Repair and 

Painting contractor?

} Are they insured for the type of work 

contemplated in your home? Does 

their general contractor’s liability 

insurance cover special conditions, 

such as asbestos, other hazardous 

materials, lead paint, mold, etc.?

} Is the contractor familiar with 

meeting any new FEMA rebuilding 

requirements that might impact 

your property?

} Does the contractor have references 

that can be checked? Have you 

checked the references and found 

them favorable?

For specialized contracted work

For work such as lead paint abatement, 

asbestos repair/removal, radon abatement, 

or major mold remediation, it is important to 

check for the following:

} Is the lead abatement or asbestos firm licensed 

by the state? (An identification document 

should be available.)

} For major mold and radon remediation 

projects, is the firm certified by a third party 

that meets state licensing requirements such 

as the American Indoor Air Quality Council 

(AmIAQC) or the Institute of Inspection, 

Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)?

} Is the firm insured for the type of work to be 

conducted in your home? (Be certain there 

is adequate insurance to protect against any 

liabilities that may arise during or as a result 

of construction as well as specific coverage 

for the environmental work, such as lead 

hazard control, mold remediation and 

asbestos remediation.)

You should use caution when selecting a firm that indicates a building permit is ‘not needed’ 

for work after a disaster. Many different types of work that follow a major storm will require the 

permission of the local building department. If you are unsure about the qualifications of a firm, 

contact your local Division of Consumer Affairs or local building department for more guidance.
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WATER QUALITY

Disasters can impact public 

and private potable water 

systems in a variety of ways. 

Sewage from public systems, 

overflowing septic systems 

and contaminated wells 

can be serious threats to resident health. 

Well water is particularly susceptible to 

contamination from disaster events. Waterrelated illnesses can develop if a water 

source is contaminated.

HOME SAFETY

In the re-occupancy or 

reconstruction phase of 

disaster recovery, damaged 

homes can present 

numerous hazards to you 

or your family. Structural 

damage, unstable materials, chemical spills, 

vermin, gas leaks and electrical hazards 

may pose dangers in or around your home. 

There may be obvious hazards to resident 

health like downed power lines and debris in 

and around your home, as well as structural 

dangers like buckling roofs/walls/stairs. 

In addition, conditions within a home that 

has been flooded will likely require major 

cleaning prior to re-occupancy so that 

no toxic chemical or biological health 

hazards remain.

UTILITIES

Utilities that normally heat 

and power your home, 

including gas and electricity, 

may be unavailable for 

extended periods after a 

disaster. Temporary heating 

and power sources (gas-powered electric 

generators or propane heaters) may give 

off carbon monoxide and should not be 

used indoors. Carbon monoxide is odorless, 

colorless and can cause sudden illness or in 

some cases death if the concentration is high 

enough. Electrical connections in formerly 

flooded spaces may pose shock or fire 

hazards when reconnected to the power.

RADON

Radon is a cancer-causing, 

radioactive gas that is caused 

by the natural break down 

of elements found in ground 

soil. Radon cannot be seen, 

smelled, or tasted but may be 

a very serious problem in a home. Radon is 

the second leading cause of lung cancer in the 

United States. Testing is the only way to know 

if a home is affected by radon.

Potential Hazards:

Health and Safety Concerns

The following are some of the potential hazards that could occur in a home 

following a disaster. Information on health and safety concerns associated 

with the hazards is also included.

MOLD

If your home has experienced 

flooding, wind-driven rain, 

plumbing failures or other 

water intrusion of any kind, 

your home will likely become 

impacted by mold. Molds are 

living organisms that grow in damp areas, and 

there are many types that can grow almost 

anywhere, including walls, ceilings, carpets, 

and furniture. Humidity and prolonged 

wetness after a disaster create perfect 

conditions for mold to grow.

If you or someone in your family is sensitive to 

molds, they may experience symptoms such 

as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or 

skin irritation. Serious allergies to molds could 

cause more severe reactions including fever 

and shortness of breath. If someone in your 

family has a compromised immune system 

due to illness, or has chronic lung disease, 

they may develop serious infections of the 

lungs when molds are present in the home.

ASBESTOS

High winds, floods and 

other storm conditions may 

damage components of 

your home, including those 

made with asbestos (a fire 

retardant). Depending on the 

age of your home, pipe and duct insulation, 

vinyl flooring products (tiles, linoleum, vinyl 

sheeting), floor tile glue, exterior cement-like 

shingles, and other materials may contain 

asbestos. Asbestos fibers may travel easily 

through the air if a material containing 

asbestos has been damaged or disturbed. 

Exposure to asbestos can cause lung disease 

and lung cancer.

LEAD-BASED PAINT

Much like asbestos, major 

storms and floods can 

also cause deterioration of 

components in your home 

that contain lead-based 

paint. If your home was 

built before 1978, lead-based paint may be 

present. Lead hazards, such as deteriorated 

lead-based paint or high levels of lead in 

dust or soil can be controlled with proper 

measures. Lead hazards are particularly 

dangerous to young children.
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Planning the Work

Rebuilding projects after major or moderate storm damage can be complex and 

often frustrating. To get the job done properly, and ensure that your family returns to 

a safe home, this work may involve review and approval from environmental hazard 

inspectors (for lead-based paint, asbestos or mold), engineers, contractors, and local 

building officials. Here are some suggested tips or factors to consider when planning 

the work and hiring the rebuilding team:

1. SAFETY ONSITE FOR

THE HOMEOWNER

Before entering the property, make sure that you 

have appropriate personal protective equipment 

(PPE). FEMA recommends having safety shoes 

or boots (rubber boots may be best if you are 

not sure if the water has been pumped out), work 

gloves, eye protection, rubber gloves for cleaning 

or when using sanitizing chemicals, a hard hat, 

and respiratory protection in case there is mold 

or bacteria contamination (respirators with HEPA 

cartridges or dust masks with a rating of N-95 or 

higher should be used).

When first entering the property, check it for any 

safety hazards including the following:

} Look for the symptoms of structural damage 

such as sagging ceilings, large wall or floor 

cracks, etc. If these conditions exist, you should 

contact a building inspector, engineer or 

licensed contractor for professional assistance.

} You should locate the electric and gas lines or 

propane supply to ensure they are not posing 

a danger for you or anyone accompanying you 

on your check. If you smell a natural gas leak, 

evacuate the home, and call the gas utility 

company immediately. If you are unsure about 

the condition of wiring or appliances, have them 

inspected by an electrician.

} If you use propane, inspect the tanks for any 

shifting and look for visible structural tank 

damage, including external appliance venting 

and vent caps. Also check for broken, bent 

or otherwise damaged gas lines. Have any 

appliances/equipment that were damaged or 

exposed to water inspected by a licensed gas 

supplier or technician prior to use. Propane 

leaks smell like rotten eggs. If you smell a leak, 

evacuate the premises and contact your local 

fire department or propane supplier.

} You should call the power company if fallen 

power lines are observed. Never touch a fallen 

power line!

} You should not use any electrical outlet or 

appliance that has been flooded prior to 

inspection by an electrician.

Mold

If you are planning for mold remediation, this 

work involves many elements including moisture 

control, assessment of impacted materials, and 

containment of the mold-impacted areas from the 

other parts of the home. Again, mold can grow 

almost anywhere in wet areas of your home after 

disasters, including walls, carpets, and basements. 

When you remove mold, the primary concern is 

whether the water that created the mold has been 

removed (i.e., flood water receded) or repaired 

(i.e., plumbing leaks fixed). Mold remediation 

will not last if the moisture source is not stopped.

After the moisture has been controlled, 

you should assess the extent of the mold 

contamination. The Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA) has issued 

guidance on how to address different sizes of 

mold removal projects such as:

} Small Areas of Mold Remediation 

(i.e., less than 30 square feet)

} Large Areas of Mold Remediation 

(i.e., 30 to 100 square feet)

} Extensive and Visible Mold Contamination

It is recommended that only small mold 

remediation jobs (less than 30 square feet, 

or a smaller area if specified by state or local 

regulations) be done by nonprofessionals and 

then only with the right personal protective 

equipment (PPE) such as respirators (N-95 or 

higher), goggles, long gloves and disposable 

coveralls. Major mold remediation jobs (greater 

than 30 square feet) should be performed by a 

qualified contractor to properly remove mold 

and prevent future growth.

For more information, go to OSHA.gov and 

search Mold Remediaton.

Asbestos

If you are planning construction involving 

structural or cosmetic elements that contain 

asbestos, it is best to leave this work to the 

professionals. Materials containing asbestos 

cannot be identified just by looking at them. 

Some materials are labeled, but when in doubt, 

it is best to treat material suspected to contain 

asbestos, such as pipe wrapping, “popcorn” 

ceiling coatings, and 12-inch vinyl floor tiles, as 

if it does and have the materials inspected and 

tested by a certified contractor. If the materials 

are in good condition, and will not be disturbed 

by other construction, they should be left alone. 

If materials are damaged, there are usually two 

solutions: repair or remove, and both should be 

done only by an accredited asbestos contractor.

Lead-Based Paint

If your home was built before 1978 and paint 

is peeling, chipping or damaged in any way, 

it is best to test the paint for lead content or 

treat the paint as if it does contain lead. Leadbased paint inspections may only be done by a 

certified lead paint inspector or lead paint Risk 

assessor. Renovation work that may disturb 

lead-based paint, including paint that is already 

deteriorated may only be done by a Renovation, 

Repair and Painting (RRP) contractor certified by 

the EPA or the state. Lead-based paint abatement 

work may only be done by a certified Lead 

Abatement contractor.

Carbon Monoxide

Will your restoration involve temporary power 

or heat sources? If so, internal combustion 

equipment, like gas-fueled generators, will 

produce carbon monoxide. This equipment 

should always be operated outside and kept 

away from open windows or air intake openings. 

When temporary generators are used, carbon 

monoxide alarms should be used near bedrooms 

and installed according to manufacturer 

recommendations. Also, when restoring any 

heating or hot water system, all active chimneys 

and air vents should be assessed for leaks or 

blockages and repaired as necessary.

Radon

While natural disasters won’t change longterm radon risk, they can provide opportunities 

to install radon-resistant features. Installing a 

radon reduction system during rehabilitation or 

re-building, such as after a disaster, can make 

installation easier and less expensive.

FEMA News Photo
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Testing is the only way to identify a radon 

issue. Tests for radon can be found at home 

improvement stores and centers. Follow the 

directions on the packaging to properly place 

the device and send it in after the test period to 

get readings of radon levels. If a home has levels 

of radon 4pCi/L or higher, radon systems should 

be put in place. Lowering radon levels requires 

special knowledge and skills; qualified contractors 

to perform the work should be state certified 

radon contractors. See www.epa.gov/radon/

radontest.html for information on finding certified 

radon professionals and state requirements, if any.

Water and Sewer Restoration

In most cases public water and sewer systems will 

be operable shortly after the disaster event and 

create few impacts on your home repairs. Check 

with your local water officials if you suspect that 

your public water sources are compromised in 

any way. Private well and septic systems, however, 

may suffer damage and if so they should be 

inspected by a professional. Restoring wells 

after a disaster should include water testing and 

inspection of all parts, with repair and disinfection 

as necessary.

Home Safety and Utilities

For most home safety and utility hazards, 

professionals may still be needed. Professionals 

for utilities differ from contractors or construction 

professionals and would not have the same 

accreditations or certifications. In any case, it is 

still a good idea to make sure that a professional 

has the proper training and experience to do 

the work needed. If an emergency comes up 

such as illness due to carbon monoxide or shock 

from power lines, always contact emergency 

services/911.

FEMA News Photo

2. DURING CONSTRUCTION

After you have assessed the work to be done, 

completed any required inspection of hazardous 

conditions, selected a contractor and executed a 

contract, your home reconstruction then moves 

to the actual construction phase. Some items 

related to health to keep in mind during this 

phase include:

} Be sure all permits and approvals are obtained 

before construction begins.

} Agree with the contractor early about whether 

restoration work can be completed while 

your family remains in residence or if you will 

temporarily relocate. If you will be onsite during 

construction, be certain that work areas are 

properly contained for hazards and will not be 

accessed by anyone without proper training and 

personal protective equipment (PPE). There are 

specific requirements regarding lead abatement 

work or asbestos removal in an occupied 

property, including access to kitchen and bath 

facilities. Make sure that everyone knows the 

rules. While mold remediation and containment 

usually are not regulated, there are best 

practices for doing so that should be followed 

during the construction. Be sure you and your 

family know what hazards may exist during 

construction and be sure of the separation of 

work areas from living spaces.

} If the work involves lead paint or asbestos 

abatement, the contractor will need to complete 

that phase of the work and have a clearance 

test conducted by a certified lead clearance 

examiner, inspector or risk assessor, or by a 

certified asbestos contractor, respectively.

} If the work involves mold remediation, before 

wall cavities are closed up, a licensed/certified 

mold inspector or, if one is not available, you 

should look at the work that was done. Ask 

whether the contractor has properly tested for 

any remaining mold and the moisture content 

of components. There should be no visible signs 

of mold or moldy odors. It is recommended 

that a moisture meter be used on semi-porous 

structural materials, like wood, to determine 

moisture content. Materials with excessive 

moisture need to be dried prior to rebuilding 

or enclosure to prevent mold returning.

3. REUSING MATERIALS: 

TO SAVE OR REPLACE

When you are planning renovation, one of the 

first critical decisions is what you can save or 

repair and what has to be removed or replaced. 

When considering your options you should 

keep the health impact of your decision in mind. 

For example, will moldy material be able to be 

cleaned and treated so that mold will not come 

back? Usually materials that are soft and porous, 

like paper-faced gypsum board, will need to be 

replaced. Semi-porous materials like wood and 

concrete can usually be cleaned and treated. 

Non-porous materials should be dried and 

cleaned with a detergent solution or bleach and 

water (1/2 cup liquid bleach to 1 gallon of water).

When faced with replacing building elements 

like walls, floors and ceilings you should consider 

the possibility of future disaster events. If you 

are restoring a basement or first floor subject to 

flooding, you should consider moisture resistant 

building materials like fiberglass-faced gypsum 

board and spray foam or extruded polystyrene 

insulation rather than porous traditional drywall 

and fiberglass insulation. FEMA has issued 

guidance on building materials that are 

FEMA News Photo

appropriate for disaster-prone areas (Flood 

Damage-Resistant Materials Requirements for 

Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas 

in accordance with the National Flood Insurance 

Program Technical Bulletin 2/August 2008).

4. RETURNING TO THE PROPERTY 

(IS IT SAFE?)

After the major construction items have been 

completed how can you tell if the property is 

safe to be reoccupied? 

Here are some important considerations:

} The contractor should have a complete 

inspection sign-off on the building permit and 

an occupancy certificate issued, if required. All 

of the required inspections (building, electrical, 

mechanical, plumbing) should indicate a final 

sign-off by the correct inspector.

} If regulated work was done, like lead paint 

abatement, asbestos removal, or major mold 

remediation, a clearance certification by the 

appropriate professional should be provided.

} Construction debris should no longer remain 

at the property. All contaminated construction 

materials that were targeted for removal, 

including anything containing asbestos, leadbased paint and mold, should have been 

properly wrapped, removed from the property 

and disposed of appropriately. Any hazardous 

waste should be disposed of in a designated 

hazardous waste facility.

} You should conduct a final walk-through of 

the property after construction and create a 

checklist of items that need to be completed. 

During this walk-through, check for any signs of 

mold that may be returning to areas that were 

rehabilitated, paint that may be deteriorating 

again, etc.
10 / CONSUMER TIPS FOR POST-DISASTER HOME RESTORATION: GETTING BACK TO A HEALTHY HOME CONSUMER TIPS FOR POST-DISASTER HOME RESTORATION: GETTING BACK TO A HEALTHY HOME / 11

GET IT

} SAFE: Protect yourself and others from injury 

during and after restoration. Injuries after the 

disaster is over- from chainsaw accidents, cuts, 

electrical shock, sprains and falls, burns and 

other accidents- are all too common. Damaged 

buildings or homes are dangerous. You can 

avoid injuries and deaths with the preparations 

and tips in this guide.

} DRY: Dry our or remove wet materials as quickly 

as possible. Dampness supports mold, bacteria, 

and pests, creating an unhealthy living space. 

That’s why it’s so important to properly dry the 

home out as soon as possible and keep it dry. 

} CLEAN: Remove debris, silt and grime with safe 

and effective cleaning methods. Damaged 

structures can have hidden dangers. Follow the 

methods in this guide to restore a truly clean 

and healthy home.

} PEST-FREE: Exclude pests, using little or no 

toxic pesticides. Integrated pest management 

(IPM) uses knowledge about pest behavior 

and methods to control pests with the least 

possible hazard to people, property and the 

environment.

} CONTAMINANT-FREE: Correctly remove and 

control the spread of indoor pollutants. 

Property damage often exposes formerly 

hidden health hazards. Follow this guide.

} PROPERLY VENTILATED: Exhaust bad air, bring 

in good air, and control humidity. Every home 

needs some fresh air ventilation to dilute 

indoor air pollutants that off-gas from 

products and people. 

} EASY TO MAINTAIN: Restore for a more durable, 

easy-care home. When Mother Nature damages 

your home, its restoration may create an 

opportunity to use better materials and 

methods tha make your home more durable 

and easier to maintain.

} COMFORTABLE: Control your indoor climate. 

When restoring your damaged home, include 

heating, cooling, and other energy-efficiency 

improvements that make it affordable to stay 

warm in winter and cool in summer-even during 

power outages. 

Eight Principles of a Healthy Home

Restoring a damaged home is also an opportunity to make your 

home an even better place to breathe, live, thrive, and enjoy 

than ever before-when you apply healthy home principles in 

improvements. THESE ARE THE BASIC POINTS. PLEASE READ 

THE PUBLICATION REBUILD HEALTHY HOMES WHICH IS ON 

Protect yourself first and foremost. Wear personal protection equipment and clothing www.hud.gov/healthyhomes

before you enter a damage building.

Assess the damages and hazards before you enter the building or your apartment.

Create a work plan of what you can do, and get supplies.

Clean out safely- your furniture, rugs, and other possessions. Check with your landlord 

about how to dispose of your waste.

Clean up and decontaminate- Before you move back in, make sure your living space 

is properly cleaned and decontaminated to ensure a safe and healthy living space.

Additional Important Information

If You Rent Your Home: The building owner or landlord is typically responsible for 

structural repairs and most restoration work. (Check your lease or rental agreements 

for specifics.) Remember to:
Post Natural Disaster 

Recovery and Rebuilding: 

Information Resources

Important information that may assist consumers, 

professionals, team leaders and volunteers is available 

on the following federal agency websites. Please check 

regularly for updates.

1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Lead Hazard 

Control and Healthy Homes (www.hud.gov/healthyhomes)

Please see the three videos:

Returning home after 

a natural disaster.

www.youtube.com/

watch?v=aY4v6y2mcCo

This video discusses how 

to return to your home 

for the first time after a 

natural disaster. The video 

goes through a checklist 

of things to do and look 

for to ensure the safety of 

individuals and families. 

How to deal with mold 

after a natural disaster.

www.youtube.com/

watch?v=lJvfbzg7gUA

This video builds on the first 

video and specifically talks 

about what a homeowner 

can do to address mold in 

their home.

Restoring your home after 

a natural disaster:

www.youtube.com/

watch?v=nSJwDxi8f-E

This video covers potential 

hazards that could arise 

after a disaster, such as 

lead, mold, asbestos, CO2, 

and other hazards, and how 

to address them as you 

rebuild.

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov/iaq)

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (www.cdc.gov)