As the waters recede, those displaced by the flood are returning home, ready to assess the damage and begin the cleaning process. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers a number of suggestions for how to keep your home and family safe from contaminants that the flood may have left behind:

• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected.
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.

nHelp the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.

• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands).
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.
• Have your onsite waste-water system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.

Source: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/cleanupwater.asp