Supply List for Those Returning to Flooded Homes

Many of Terrebonne residents will be all too familiar about what people might need after a flood to help the recovery on an individual or family level.  Below is a list of items that Texas A & M developed to assist people during and after a storm.  If anyone is unsure what to provide locally or send to Houston or our western Parishes, this list may be useful in deciding what to buy if sending money to an aid entity isn’t preferred. 

If gas is leaking or the power lines are damaged, do not enter the home. Returning to a home after a flood or damaging storm, people will need items for cleaning up and making minor repairs as well as personal items.

Cleaning supplies:

• Air freshener, 8- or 9-ounce can
• Bleach, 82 ounces
• Bucket, 5-gallon, with lid
• Cleaner, household, 12- to 16-ounce bottle
• Clothes pins, 50
• Clothesline, 100 feet
• Detergent, liquid laundry, 50 ounces
• Disinfectant dish soap, 16- to 28-ounce bottle
• Gloves, latex, 2 pairs
• Gloves, work, 1 pair
• Masks, N-95 rating, 5
• Scouring pads, 5
• Scrub brush
• Sponges, 7
• Towels, cleaning, 18
• Trash bags, heavy-duty, 33- to 45-gallon, 24-bag roll

First aid kit:

• Aspirin
• Bandages, adhesive
• First aid booklet
• Gauze
• Gloves, sterile, 2 pairs
• Ointments, antibiotic and burn
• Soap
• Sunscreen, SPF 30
• Thermometer
• Wipes, antibiotic

Insect repellent that contains DEET

Medications, prescriptions

Personal hygiene items:

• Hand sanitizer, alcohol based
• Soap
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Towel, bath
• Washcloth

Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day)

Sturdy shoes (with toes and hard soles)

Tarp, to cover roof damage or use as an outdoor shade

Tools:

• Ax
• Chain saw for clearing trees
• Hacksaw
• Hammer and nails
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Rope

Food and snacks:

• If there is no running water, buy foods that require little or no water in preparation. Choose low-salt foods to help minimize thirst.
• Many foods need no cooking—breakfast cereal, granola bars, cookies, crackers, jerky, ready-to-eat meats in cans or pouches, canned vegetables, peanut butter, trail mix, canned meals such as spaghetti/pasta, canned infant formula, and baby/toddler foods in jars.
• Hard candy will help keep the mouth moist if water supplies are limited.
• Vitamins.
• Buy nonperishable (dry) foods for pets.

Food storage and preparation supplies:

• Manual can opener
• Metal pans and cooking utensils for cooking on a fire or grill
• Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
• Plastic forks, knives, and spoons
• Paper napkins and plates
• Storage bags for food
• Paper towels
• Garbage bags for disposing of trash
• Ice chest—ice will probably be available at an emergency supply distribution center