Last updated on November 5th, 2025 at 10:29 am
After a natural disaster, going home is a priority for many people. However, homes and other structures can be affected by natural disasters and may need some care, like cleaning or rebuilding, before they are safe to live in.
Some things to look out for when returning home after a disaster include:
- Mold
- Water damage
- Structural damage
- Damaged power lines
- Standing sewage or wastewater
If your home is damaged after a disaster, be sure to get it checked by a building inspector before entering. After that, cleanup will be important. While cleaning up, it is important to wear the proper protective equipment (PPE), which includes full-length clothing, tall close-toed shoes, long socks, hair tied back, and masks.
For mold, it’s important to disinfect and air out the area while wearing the proper PPE, including full-length clothes and a mask. Airing out the area includes opening the windows and using fans – even if there is not visible water damage, moisture in the air can cause mold growth.
The water in your home may not be safe to drink, so it is important to check the quality of your water. If you do not have other drinking water options available, make sure to boil it before use. For more information, visit the CDC’s page on How to Make Sure Your Water is Safe.
For more resources on returning home safely, check out these links:
- Returning to Your Flooded Home Safely – The CDC
- How to Clean Up a Flooded Home – University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
- Dealing with Debris and Damaged Buildings – the EPA
- What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas – the EPA
Author: Maira Khan, AgriSafe Intern (2025)
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