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Be flood ready this hurricane season! 🌀🌀
Promote healthy indoor air and safe flood recovery
As President Trump recently proclaimed, it's important to take time to prepare for the 2025 hurricane season. The eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. The Atlantic and central Pacific hurricane season (includes Hawaii) officially runs from June 1 to November 30. The best time to prepare is NOW!Â
 Flooding, storm surge and wind damage from hurricanes can introduce new hazards indoors and worsen existing ones. Flood waters can carry biological and chemical contaminants indoors. Standing water and wet materials can become a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria and mold. Exposure to these contaminants can cause illness, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage housing materials long after the flood.Â
Be hurricane and flood ready!
Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind. Consider taking the following steps to prepare for hurricanes and flooding:Â
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Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves from hurricanes and floods. Â
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Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy.Â
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Have a professional install check-valves in plumbing to prevent flood waters from backing up into the drains of your home. Make sure your sump pump is working and consider having a backup. Make sure your electric circuit breakers, or fuses, are clearly marked for each area of your home.Â
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Be prepared to cover windows with storm shutters and/or plywood.Â
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Ensure chemicals, such as paint, cleaning agents and pesticides are safely secured and stored properly to prevent them from becoming released during hurricanes and flooding.Â
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Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector's battery to ensure that it is working properly to prevent CO poisoning, if the power goes out.Â
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If you plan to use one, learn how to safely operate a fuel-powered portable generator well away from enclosed spaces before a storm arrives.Â
Learn how to safely recover and clean up your home
If your home is flooded during a hurricane, it is important to begin flood cleanup as soon as possible once it’s safe to return home. Floodwaters can bring contaminants indoors, such as bacteria and chemicals, and mold can start growing within just 24-48 hours. It’s important to take steps to:Â
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Remove wet materials.Â
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Dry the area thoroughly.Â
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Clean surfaces with detergent and water.Â
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Seal or paint only when everything is completely dry.Â
Additionally, EPA’s Flooded Homes website, which is also available in Spanish, features short videos with step-by-step guidance on how to safely clean up your home. Â
Take a tour of EPA’s interactive flooded home which demonstrates how to safely re-enter and clean up your home after a flood.Â
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