Mold and its invisible spores can be dangerous in a house, causing breathing problems, Reese said. Fungicide should help, but use fans, heaters and open windows to dry the house as fast as possible. As for the rest of the house, use rubber gloves when cleaning and shower often. Cuts and scrapes can become infected in grimy floodwater. Health officials say flooded septic tanks and drinking wells should be reported to local health departments.
Wells have to be disinfected and tested before they are safe to use again.
Homeowner's insurance policies cover damage from wind and driving rain, but do not protect against flooding. Flood insurance is offered by the National Flood Insurance Program, which has issued 81,159 policies in this state. The insurance is not just for people who live in areas prone to flooding, said Mark Stevens, a spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The federal agency coordinates the disbursement of loans and grants to help pay for repairs.