Rachel Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 My family is in SE Texas. Two cousins and an aunt will need help with the clean up. We will be heading down as soon as we can get there safely, also assuming there aren't road blocks that will prevent us. My grandparents live in the area so we have a place to stay. I'm guessing within the next week we will be going. What are practical things to bring? Fans Dehumidifiers Extension cords Generator (will have access to one down there too) Shovels Gloves Plastic tubs Heavy duty garbage bags Bleach What else? We will bring food and water with us. Some stores are still open but we assume stock is low. We plan to help with initial cleanup, tearing out carpet, tearing out sheetrock, sorting between salvageable and non salvageable items. Etc. What else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Rags Basic First aid stuff bug spray (mosquitoes are typically bad after a hurricane) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guinevere Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 What about some comfort items? Favorite snacks, music, special flavorings for coffee? Just some thing things to take the edge off. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guinevere Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Camera, with extra batteries and memory cards. Beyond documenting damage, you might want to take pictures of things that are sentimental, but will have to be discarded. Wet family pictures, for example, can't be fixed, but at least you could have a picture of it and preserve some of the memory. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
medawyn Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Candles (scented or un) or air freshener Extra chargers for electronics Rags and towels Hand sanitizer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Your list is good---but keep in mind that you may go through 2-3 pairs of work gloves per person per day if you are using inexpensive ones, and even the contractor quality ones may not hold up through the week. I would also bring a basic tool set. When we ripped up our carpet, we needed to use pliers and mini pry bar/nail puller to get up staples and glue. If you are pulling up linoleum: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000224PU/ref=asc_df_B0000224PU5146648/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B0000224PU&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167133658256&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6230320104326524874&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028097&hvtargid=pla-316284993835 Most likely you will need to be removing the bottom bits of drywall. A utility knife, small sledge hammer, and a prybar are all used in that process. I cannot emphasize this enough....you are really going to want N-95 masks. You do not want to be breathing up mold, drywall dust, etc. You may want to look into getting Tyvek suits and mud boots too. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Do they have flood insurance? Anything that is not salvageable needs to be photographed to document loss and later assess value. For truly priceless photos you want to save, bring waxed paper and plastic ziplock bags and paper towels. The process is described here: https://www.thoughtco.com/salvaging-flood-and-water-damaged-photos-1422276 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MommyLiberty5013 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Please be careful and aware when you lift things up or reach into barely visible holes. Texas has a lot of venomous snakes. Water snakes too. One of my Texan friends in Houston was bemoaning all the "nature" that is displaced too. Sun shelters? With netted sides? Wader boots? Hard hats? Wire cutters? Wet vac? What's the status of gas lines and electric lines? I would not enter the disaster zone until emergency people give an "all clear." 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 ... I cannot emphasize this enough....you are really going to want N-95 masks. You do not want to be breathing up mold, drywall dust, etc. You may want to look into getting Tyvek suits and mud boots too. Ditto this-- those masks will be VERY important as mold spores will be everywhere even before you can see them. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bootsie Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Laundry detergent, clothes pins, clothes line soap socks work shoes 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applethyme Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 I would suggest a couple of decks of cards, some sweet treats, music or things that are fun to your family. There will be down time, and the work will be hard and discouraging, anything to lift spirits a bit is a good thing. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Even if you don't have flood insurance you will want records for tax purposes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 I felt like I should come back to add, I recommend 4 masks/person/day as a minimum. They get sweaty and gross, occasionally the elastics will break while you are putting them on or taking them off, and you'll be doing that a lot to cool down/drink water/snack. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Your list is good---but keep in mind that you may go through 2-3 pairs of work gloves per person per day if you are using inexpensive ones, and even the contractor quality ones may not hold up through the week. I would also bring a basic tool set. When we ripped up our carpet, we needed to use pliers and mini pry bar/nail puller to get up staples and glue. If you are pulling up linoleum: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000224PU/ref=asc_df_B0000224PU5146648/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B0000224PU&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167133658256&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6230320104326524874&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9028097&hvtargid=pla-316284993835 Most likely you will need to be removing the bottom bits of drywall. A utility knife, small sledge hammer, and a prybar are all used in that process. I cannot emphasize this enough....you are really going to want N-95 masks. You do not want to be breathing up mold, drywall dust, etc. You may want to look into getting Tyvek suits and mud boots too. ^^^^ This. If you can get your hands on antimicrobials, they're much safer to work with than bleach. You don't want people breathing bleach fumes all day!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted August 30, 2017 Author Share Posted August 30, 2017 Thanks! Fortunately where they are isn't quite as bad as Houston but they are still facing a lot of damage. Roads are still closed so we can't go yet. I had mud boots for myself and my husband, we picked up a few extra pairs for family. We have tons of work gloves. I'll double check the masks we have. I'm not sure about flood insurance. It makes sense to take things to deal with paperwork. That definitely wouldn't have occurred to me. Tractor Supply gave me a discount on huge fans so we have 5 to take down. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 While waiting to go, consider finding out which restaurants near them are open. You can send gift cards via email from Amazon. They get them about 5 minutes after you send them. I did this for a few families members that were affected by the flood. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartlikealion Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Wear old clothes and/or shoes/boots. You will probably be stepping in gross water full of bacteria. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartlikealion Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Thanks! Fortunately where they are isn't quite as bad as Houston but they are still facing a lot of damage. Roads are still closed so we can't go yet. I had mud boots for myself and my husband, we picked up a few extra pairs for family. We have tons of work gloves. I'll double check the masks we have. I'm not sure about flood insurance. It makes sense to take things to deal with paperwork. That definitely wouldn't have occurred to me. Tractor Supply gave me a discount on huge fans so we have 5 to take down. This may be a no-brainer and not really what you asked, but I would urge them to consider no carpet in the future there if they are getting new flooring. I saw this happen with a lot of people after Katrina. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 I saw this and thought it might help you. Tips if your house gets flooded... 1) Cut the power off. You do not want your AC coming on when it's under water. Unplug everything. 2) Take LOTS of pictures first! As soon as the water recedes, start cutting Sheetrock out. Close to 48 inches high if you can. (See picture below) Be careful not to cut wires or plumbing. Don't wait for FEMA or insurance company. Your main objective is to prevent black mold and they are weeks away from helping. 3) Remove all wet carpet and wet insulation in the walls. 4) Spray 50/50 mixture of bleach and water everywhere including inside the walls where you cut the Sheetrock away. Or better yet, buy a solution called Concrobium from the hardware store specifically for this. 5) Get fans and heaters in there asap to start drying things out. Again, main objective is to stop the mold. If you can do this, recovery will be much much easier. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted August 30, 2017 Author Share Posted August 30, 2017 While waiting to go, consider finding out which restaurants near them are open. You can send gift cards via email from Amazon. They get them about 5 minutes after you send them. I did this for a few families members that were affected by the flood. Right now nothing is open, Subway was for a little while yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 (edited) start cutting Sheetrock out. Close to 48 inches high if you can. Well, that will depend on how high the water went. The industry standard is something like<deleted>. (I can double check when dh gets home.) Edited August 30, 2017 by Carrie12345 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City Mouse Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 (edited) Buckets,mops, brooms sponges, When we had a flood in our town, cleaning supplies were hard to come by. The Red Cross gives out buckets of cleaning tools but only 1 or 2 per house. Edited August 30, 2017 by City Mouse 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Well, that will depend on how high the water went. The industry standard is something like<deleted>. (I can double check when dh gets home.) 18" above the water line. But bumped to 2' increments to simplify replacement. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 We plan to help with initial cleanup, tearing out carpet, tearing out sheetrock, sorting between salvageable and non salvageable items. Etc. What else? They're so lucky to have family like you! It looks like there's a lot of practical information on the FEMA website, including links to even more info. Maybe you can start studying some of this before you leave...I'm overwhelmed just looking at the pages. https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1381405548275-ec9f9b9de186f1874b92ecda6c33182b/SandyFactsheet1CleaningFloodedBldgs_508_FINAL2.pdf Best wishes to you and your family! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted August 31, 2017 Author Share Posted August 31, 2017 They're so lucky to have family like you! It looks like there's a lot of practical information on the FEMA website, including links to even more info. Maybe you can start studying some of this before you leave...I'm overwhelmed just looking at the pages. https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1381405548275-ec9f9b9de186f1874b92ecda6c33182b/SandyFactsheet1CleaningFloodedBldgs_508_FINAL2.pdf Best wishes to you and your family! Thank you! I talked to my cousin whose house stayed dry this morning. He has no water or power but is overall positive. He fortunately has room for some the displaced family members while they rebuild. His dad's house and my grandparent's houses never took on water, so all my family whose houses are no longer inhabitable should have family with whom they can stay. Water was to the eaves of my one cousin's two story home! All they have left is a small bag of clothes. We are keeping an eye on things and hoping to see enough drainage that we can arrive Sat. Right now too many roads are closed and the closest we can get is about 60 miles away. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artichoke Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 Knee pads to help with ripping out carpet and clearing the sub floor underneath. You can get inexpensive ones at Home Depot and Lowes. Box cutters can be handy to have as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 If you can get your hands on antimicrobials, they're much safer to work with than bleach. You don't want people breathing bleach fumes all day!!! I've got a spray bottle of Concrobium for small jobs, but it looks like they sell it in gallon jugs. Here's the page with cleaning instructions for a variety of surfaces: http://www.concrobium.com/how-to-fight-mold/materials-surfaces/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 Maybe some oil for things like door locks and hinges? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 Lots and lots of: Towels. Cleaning supplies. Garbage bags. Shovels. Water. Refillable water containers. (1 gallon to 5 gallon). Buckets. Blankets/bedding/cots/sleeping bags. Baby wipes. Baby supplies if you have babies in the family (diapers, wipes, formula) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted August 31, 2017 Share Posted August 31, 2017 Rach--make sure you can get enough gas to get to where you need to go, and back. The stations are all starting to sell out. I'm not even kidding. I spent this afternoon scrambling to find gas, and I waited in line for forever to get it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted August 31, 2017 Author Share Posted August 31, 2017 Rach--make sure you can get enough gas to get to where you need to go, and back. The stations are all starting to sell out. I'm not even kidding. I spent this afternoon scrambling to find gas, and I waited in line for forever to get it. Thank you. We are bringing at least 20 gallons with us. We were hoping to leave Friday morning but it's looking like we need to postpone. I'm just not sure we will be able to get where we need to get and waiting may be better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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