EPA New England Topics
Information for Flooding in New England (En Español)
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ALERT: Generator exhaust is toxic. Put generators outside or carefully vent the exhaust outside because the exhaust contains dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas.
Avoid Contact Because Floodwaters May Contain Sewage
During heavy rains, sanitary sewers may overflow into floodwaters. Avoid contact with floodwater due to potential contamination with raw sewage and other hazardous substances. Avoid swimming and boating in floodwaters and do not allow children or pets to wade or play in floodwaters. More on sanitation and hygiene after a flood.
Drinking Water and Food
- Boiling water information To kill all major water-borne bacterial pathogens, bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Boil 3 minutes at elevations above 5280 ft (1 mile or 1.6 km).
- Make sure older adults have enough water to drink. Dehydration can be life threatening to an elderly person. More info...
- What to do about water from household wells after a flood . Do not turn on the pump - danger of electric shock. Do not drink or wash with water from the flooded well.
- General info about household wells.
- Keeping food safe during flooding and power outages. Don't test the safety of possibly spoiled food by tasting it!
Flooding and Mold
- Flood cleanup: dealing with mold: The key to mold control is moisture control. After the flood, remove standing water and dry indoor areas. Remove and discard anything that has been wet for more than 24-48 hours. Read our brochure "Flood Cleanup and the Air In Your Home" (PDF) (15 pp, 1.1MB, about PDF)
- Clean up Safely After a Disaster from cdc.gov and Repairing your flooded home from redcross.org
- Mold cleanup in schools and commercial buildings. information for building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for commercial building and school maintenance.
- General - Mold, moisture, and your home
For Water and Wastewater Facilities
- Suggested pre-hurricane (or flooding) activities to help facilities prepare for severe weather conditions
- Suggested post-hurricane (or flooding) activities to help facilities recover from severe weather conditions.
Septic Systems