The following checklist will help you respond to flood damage in historic and older buildings. Read the steps through carefully and take time to plan. While it is tempting to wade right in with a shovel and mop, it is very important to develop a plan for cleanup and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, overly zealous cleanup efforts can result in historic materials being carted away, excessively rough cleaning methods, and the unnecessary loss of historic fabric. The best way to prevent additional damage to historic structures and materials during a time of duress is to use caution and plan ahead.
- Follow all emergency rules, laws, and regulations
- Turn off all utilities
- Document building damage
- Wear protective clothing
- Stabilize any unstable structures with temporary bracing
- Use caution when pumping basement water
- Keep building properly ventilated
- Clean everything that got wet with a disinfectant
- Allow saturated materials to dry using natural ventilation
- Check for foundation damage
- Replace soil around foundation
- Save historic materials if possible
- Use caution when removing lead-based paint or any products containing asbestos
- Clean and repair roof and roof drainage systems to protect building from future damage
Adapted from: Information, National Trust for Historic Preservation Booklet No. 82, 1993, Treatment of Flood-Damaged Older and Historic Buildings, and provided courtesy of the New Bern Historic Preservation Commission.